This Noah's Ark on the Moon would keep cryogenized samples of ovules, sperm, stem cells, seeds and spores of 6.7 million species.
There are many reasons why humans have been trying to tread new ground for a long time, beyond Earth. First was the Moon. Soon it is expected to return and repeat the feat on Mars. And why not? Perhaps also on some exoplanet with characteristics similar to ours. There are many reasons why we strive in this search for extraterrestrial conquest. One, of course, is the peace of mind of having a plan B for a future in which we charge our own planet. For this reason, a team of scientists from the University of Arizona has just proposed the construction of a kind of Noah's Ark on the Moon.
It would not only have a good representation of the animal species of our planet. Also with plants. Why did Noah forget about the plants? Let's see what would happen to the animals without them.
It may seem like a crazy project; but actually, it makes some sense. Of course, if your imagination was flying to the possible methods to get a couple of elephants to the Moon, we are sorry to disappoint you. In reality, only samples of ovules, sperm, stem cells, seeds and spores from 6.7 million animal and plant species will travel there.
This is how Noah's Ark will be on the Moon
The objective of these scientists would not necessarily be to populate our satellite with all the terrestrial animals and plants. In reality, Noah's Ark on the Moon would be more of a kind of warehouse in which all those samples would remain protected from the effects of climate change or any other event that could destroy them. At this point, they could be recovered to replace the lost species.
This is what the scientists behind the idea have explained at the IEEE Aerospace Conference, as well as in a statement issued by the University of Arizona.
The samples would remain protected from any phenomenon that could end them on Earth
The logistics would not be easy, but neither would it be impossible. The ark would be built on a structure made of caves found on our satellite in 2013. They are believed to have formed during basaltic lava flow eruptions, hence they are known as lunar lava tubes. Being below the surface, they could protect the samples, both from solar radiation, as well as from the possible impacts of micrometeorites and the typical temperature changes of the selenite surface.
The sperm, ovules, stem cells, seeds and spores would be cryogenized, so a source of energy would be needed. To do this, they would install solar panels. The main person in charge of the project, Jekan Thanga, estimates that about 191 square meters would suffice.
Other problems to solve
Beyond the need for energy, this Noah's ark on the Moon would be impaired due to the cold of the lunar lava tubes. This on the one hand would be a positive point, since the seeds must be kept at -180ºC and the stem cells at -196ºC. However, it would also be a problem, as low temperatures and near-vacuum conditions could freeze the metals used in construction or even weld them.
It would take about 250 flights to get all the samples to the Moon
To end this problem, Thanga proposes the use of superconductors, which allow the flow of electricity without resistance. In addition, these can hold pieces together thanks to the phenomenon of quantum levitation, whereby a cooled superconducting material floats on top of a powerful magnet.
As for how to get almost 7 million samples to the Moon, these scientists estimate that 250 flights would be necessary. It would be necessary to start with time, of course, but they believe that it is perfectly feasible. Of course, just in case, it would not be bad to continue doing our bit to avoid situations such as climate change. Mass extinctions and dramatic climate changes are cyclical, having already occurred several times since our planet was formed. We cannot avoid it. But, at least, we can try that, the day it happens, it is not entirely our fault.
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