Astronomy on the Moon

Today (July 20, 2026) is International Moon Day, marking the first humans on the Moon on July 20, 1969. I remember watching this on TV when I was 14 years old.

The American Astronomical Society’s Committee for the Protection of Astronomy and the Space Environment (COMPASSE) held a virtual town hall, “Astronomy on the Moon,” today.

In this 90 minute online event, we will hear from several presenters on matters related to astronomy from the Moon. We will learn about the array of cutting-edge astronomical research that could be conducted from the lunar surface, possible paths towards protections that could prevent unintended interference from sources such as dust, vibration, and electromagnetic emissions, and the current status of efforts to engage the international community on these issues at venues such as the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UN COPUOS).

We will then hear from experts with diverse backgrounds to better understand historical, legal, cultural, and societal contexts to consider when planning lunar activities.

The first speaker gave a short outline of how we would like to put radio telescopes on the Moon. He said that astronomers would be developers: they need to build roads and buildings on the surface of the far side of the Moon.

The next speakers reviewed law in regard to the Moon, including space treaties. The last speaker spoke about lunar governance and lessons learned from Antarctica.

I think that enforcement of space treaties and laws will be difficult given the desire by billionaires and the current U.S. Administration to develop and mine the Moon (although I predict that it will be difficult to actually make money on the Moon).

The town hall was recorded; perhaps a link to the recording will be made available soon on YouTube.