Astronomers call to protect radio silence on Moon's far side amid growing scientific interest in the region

Astronomers and space enthusiasts have gathered their force to preserve radio silence on the far side of the moon. With increasing interest in the lunar south pole, moon enthusiasts are concerned that several missions to the moon can disrupt the radio silence on its surface. 

Moon has a unique ability to naturally shield radio waves generated by chatter on Earth and around it. This phenomenon is called the radio silence zone or shielded zone on the moon. The experts are now concerned that growing scientific interest in the moon’s far side might lead to it getting corrupted by electromagnetic pollution from Earth.

Also Read | Pregnant women working in extreme heat are more prone to miscarriage and stillbirth, says new study

To tackle the issue and many other concerns related to the moon’s far side, an international symposium is being held this week in Italy, under the auspices of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). 

The first-ever conference raising concerns about the exploration of the lunar south pole is named as IAA Moon Farside Protection Symposium, taking place from Mar 21-22.  The aim is to set off a wake-up call that engages the global scientific, political, and industrial community to be aware of a growing list of concerns.

Growing scientific interest in Moon’s South Pole comes with plenty of concerns as well

The idea to have a conference dedicated to the Moon’s South Pole and factors concerning it was championed by Claudio Maccone of the National Institute for Astrophysics in Italy. In December 2021, the IAA made a new permanent committee devoted to the protection of the moon's far side, chaired by Maccone as the IAA technical director. 

Maccone and colleagues believe that the moon's far side is a region of paramount scientific interest as it provides an environment free from the electromagnetic pollution typical on Earth.

However, the fast pace at which lunar missions are being launched to this region can compromise the current situation of the moon's radio quietness.

Also Read | Scientists genetically modify cow to solve insulin shortages for diabetes patients

The science on the moon is already taking shape, as per Jack Burns, professor emeritus in the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at the University of Colorado, Boulder. 

"Radio astronomy from the moon has begun," Burns says.

NASA's first radio telescope, ROLSES, was recently delivered to the lunar south pole by the Intuitive Machines Odysseus lander, Burns points out.

"After many years of anticipation, we are actively doing radio science from the moon. Thus, we also need to actively work to protect, in particular, the far side of the moon from radio frequency interference from lunar orbiting satellites and infrastructure on the lunar surface," Burns tells Space.com.

Also Read| Telescope discovers ancient star threads 'Shiva' and 'Shakti' weaving Milky way

Recent lunar missions and newer programmes will bring more and more artificial systems around and on the lunar surface, occupying space and emitting radio waves at various frequencies, Maccone explains.

There are already international regulations and resolutions aimed at protecting any shielded zone on the moon — SZM in lunar lingo — such as International Telecommunication Union (ITU) radio regulations.

"However, it is of paramount importance to take a further step, both to extend the protected frequencies to encompass all other scientifically relevant ones, in addition to those already included, and to preserve a portion of the far side exclusively for scientific installations," Maccone suggests.

(With inputs from agencies)