posted on Oct, 31 2008 @ 01:59 PM
Today I was having a discussion with several people, some I know well, some not so well, and some not at all.
We were talking about the plans to return to the Moon by 2020, and the missions between now and then, to scan for Minerals and other valuables, then
it was mentioned that if all these things where removed from the Moon, wouldn't this change density and therefore, could this change the Moons
orbit?
I have to admit, this question left me stumped for an answer, because I don't know, thinking about it more and more, surely it would definitely have
an impact?
Taking millions upon millions of tons of the Moons mass, and this has to include water used for drinking and the production of building materials,
and using metals etc to build ships intended in the exploration of the Solar System and beyond.
All said if a profit can be made they will use and remove it.
Could this have dire consequences for our reliance on the Moon, for tides and weather, I know the Moon plays a huge part in our Planetary climate,
what effect would a shift in our Moons orbit have on us here on Earth?
The effects might take a long time to alter the Orbit, wouldn't it also have an effect on the Moons gravitational pull on tides, therefore creating a
definitive change in weather patterns and sea currents?
It would be great to have some insight into this, as well as a welcome break from Politics.
So please give your opinions, as far as I am aware this question has not been asked, I cant find anything on the ATS search engine.
Would there need to be a limit on mining? surely it cant be allowed to become a free for all.
According to several websites, The mass of the Moon is about 7.35x10^22 kg, although this does slightly vary depending on source.