Monday, July 4, 2022

Moon Day

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7/4/22

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Coming Soon

On July 20, 1969, humankind’s relationship to the moon fundamentally changed. Earth’s celestial sidekick was no longer just a feature of the night sky. It had become the ground beneath someone’s feet. Every year on July 20, we celebrate Moon Day in honor of those first footsteps beyond Earth.

Apollo-era astronauts left far more than boot prints on the moon. They also set up experiments on the lunar surface that, more than 50 years later, are still offering insights into the nature of gravity and other questions about the universe. Lunar rocks and dust returned to Earth by the Apollo missions, meanwhile, are revealing how the moon formed and evolved. And the first attempt to grow plants in lunar dirt recently showed that future astronauts may be able to farm on the moon.

Scientists are laying the groundwork for future lunar trips in other ways, too. One team has developed a machine that clears staticky, razor-sharp moon dust off surfaces with an electron beam. Another group has tested the possibility of making cement for lunar habitats out of moon dust and astronaut pee.

Want to know more about the moon, such as where to find water and how space robots are exploring the surface today? Check out our primer “ Let’s learn about the moon.”

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Opportunity

Applications are now open for the 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search. This STEM competition is open to high school seniors in the United States who have conducted independent research during any year of high school. Check out the Society for Science website for application instructions, informational webinars, resources for educators and more. Applications are due November 9.

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