NASA Note: This is the fifth in a series of six guest opinions commemorating the Craters of the Moon National Monument Centennial Craters of the Moon is a unique and fascinating natural wonder that has captivated the imagination of visitors and scientists alike. Over the last 100-plus years, this vast ocean of lava flows, cinder cones, and sagebrush steppe has proven to be a breathtaking landscape. The harsh and stark environment is also ideal for space exploration research. This small, isolated park has been an outdoor research laboratory on geological, biological, ecological, and other topics. A remarkable number of studies have been conducted at the park, offering insights into such weighty topics as the formation of our planet, the resilience of life in extreme environments, and the impact of climate change. In keeping with its name, Craters of the Moon has served as a space exploration research site for more than 50 years. In 1969, four Apollo astronauts visited the park to study volcanic geology in preparation for collecting rock samples on the Moon. The astronauts were pilots Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell, Joe Engle, and Eugene Cernan. They were not geologists by training, but visiting Craters of the Moon helped them prepare for future Apollo Moon missions by exploring the unusual and harsh lava landscape, studying volcanic geology, and collecting rock samples. Since the Moon's surface is covered by volcanic materials, it was important for the astronauts to know something about the lava they would encounter. Given the limited amount of material they could bring back to Earth, they had to know enough about geology to identify the most scientifically valuable rock specimens. More recently, Craters of the Moon has hosted research teams conducting studies to help prepare for future missions to Mars. Such studies have included evaluating new tools for detecting lava tubes, as the park's basalt lava composition is similar to rocks found on the "Red Planet" and the Moon. Some of these studies have been carried out while simulating conditions on Mars to improve software, hardware, organizational structure, and protocols for highly complex crewed missions. These science studies will result in increased knowledge of the analog features themselves, improved field tools and techniques for analyzing such features on Earth and the Moon, and refined interpretations of the corresponding lunar features as we continue to gather more data from them. Findings may include specific needs associated with astronaut mobility, tool use, information transfer, or even a larger ecosystem of space and Earth-based communities supporting active spaceflight. What researchers learn will also be used to craft evidence-based requirements and recommendations for Extravehicular Activity (EVA) on the Moon. Research outcomes will be communicated directly to the Artemis and EVA teams at NASA. With Artemis missions to the Moon scheduled to begin in the fall of 2025, Craters of the Moon will again provide important opportunities for researchers to test technologies, refine lunar science, and prepare astronaut training materials. Their work is a testament to the park's value in helping us reach for the stars, both figuratively and literally. As we celebrate the Centennial of Craters of the Moon National Monument this year, we acknowledge that the "Moon on Earth" has only just begun to unveil its secrets. Looking forward, the importance of this special place will undoubtedly continue to grow. Its resources will help expand our understanding of the natural world and our place within it and advance research questions on topics that we have been studying for decades, as well as those we have not yet begun to contemplate. Wade Vagias has served as the Superintendent of Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve since 2015. Jennifer Jones is assisting the National Park Service with Craters of the Moon Centennial communications under a Cooperative Agreement with NEWSolutions. |
Last updated: September 25, 2024