Researchers Propose Mining , the Moon For Dust to , Block the Sun from Earth.
'The Guardian' reports that researchers have proposed firing plumes of moon dust into space in order to deflect the sun's rays away from Earth.
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The concept involves creating a "solar shield" by mining the moon for millions of tons of dust that will be used to partially block incoming sunlight.
A really exciting part of our study was the realization that the natural lunar dust grains are just the right size and composition for efficiently scattering sunlight away from Earth, Ben Bromley, Theoretical astrophysicist at the University of Utah, via 'The Guardian'.
Since it takes much less energy to launch these grains from the moon’s surface, as compared with an Earth launch, the ‘moonshot’ idea really stood out for us, Ben Bromley, Theoretical astrophysicist at the University of Utah, via 'The Guardian'.
According to Ben Bromley, a theoretical astrophysicist at the University of Utah who led the research, getting the mining and projective equipment to the moon presents a "significant project.".
Bromley argues that this approach offers an advantage over other geoengineering proposals that have raised concerns over spraying reflective particles within the Earth's atmosphere.
Meanwhile, Bromley stressed that the primary task facing humanity remains reducing planet-heating greenhouse gas emissions.
Frank Biermann, professor of global sustainability governance at Utrecht University, warns that geoengineering is a dangerous distraction from transitioning away from fossil fuels.
What is needed are massive cutbacks in greenhouse gas emissions, which require rapid technological advancement and socioeconomic transitions.
Mining the moon is not the answer that we need, Frank Biermann, Professor of global sustainability governance at Utrecht University, via 'The Guardian'
