Researchers are proposing to create a “lunar curve” to save millions of species

Researchers propose to build “Noah’s Ark” on the moon to save millions of species of plants and animals. If the project seems too complicated technically, it is attractive.

Almost everyone has heard of Svalbard’s global seed store. Built to withstand the onslaught of wars, famines and diseases, this arch now contains more than a million varieties of seeds. Other “curves” were built to protect the animal kingdom (sperm, ova, or tissue specimens).

However, these structures may not be as flexible as we would like. For example, in 2016, rising temperatures in the Arctic actually caused water to leak at the entrance to the tunnel, causing the permafrost to melt.

If only the entrance hall was affected at that time and no seeds were damaged, this is the first warning. And in connection with Climate forecasts, We know that more serious incidents of this type may occur again in the future. It remains to be seen whether these protections can be maintained.

And yet, unfortunately, Some (if any) places on earth are actually completely safe. In fact, a team from the University of Arizona recently returned to the moon.

A lunar curve?

So, can our satellite be our “insurance policy” that guarantees the protection of all life on Earth? This idea may come as a surprise, but in some ways the moon is one Perfect location for this type of installation. It’s really cool, the environment is technically stable, there is never melting water, and according to the latest news, there are no humans.

Researchers have, in their study, drawn the famous biblical story of Noah’s ark. However, instead of two representatives of each species, the lunar orbit aims to store 6.7 million cryogenically frozen seeds, spores, sperm and eggs of terrestrial animal, plant and fungal species.

According to the authors, this curve may be Built into the recently discovered volcanic tubes beneath the surface of the moon. These structures formed volcanic streams through soft rock billions of years ago, forming underground caves. These tunnels can then provide shelter from solar radiation, micrometers and changes in surface temperature.

Quantum levitation

The team model has underground solar panels that provide electricity. Multiple lift shafts then lead to the convenience of petri dishes being placed in continuous cryogenic storage blocks. Here is the Seeds at -180 C and stem cells at -196. C should also be saved.

A major challenge in overcoming this type of cryogenic approach is maintaining the physical integrity of the metal structures. However, there is a way to use extreme temperatures by using a different world event Quantum levitation.

“In this process, a cryoglode superconducting material floats above a powerful magnet. The two pieces are locked together at a fixed distance, so wherever the magnet goes, the superconductor follows“, To explain Jagan Tanga, Principal Editor of the study. “They look like they are tied by ropes, but invisible ropes“.

So the idea is to trust this phenomenon to float model shelves above metal surfaces, thus allowing robots to move above magnetic tracks for installation.

Providing all of these products on site would be another very important hurdle. A project of that size is actually quite weighty, but according to the team it cannot be offset. Researchers estimate that this will take 250 launches to carry fifty samples of each of the approximately 6.7 million species on Earth.

Finally, it is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post Lack of gravity. In other words, the project sounds interesting, but it asks a lot of questions. For now, this is just an idea on paper. We need to see if we have the technical and financial means to create it. One thing is for sure, it won’t be for now!