It is quite a scientific achievement. Arabidopsis thaliana’ plants were grown at different points on the lunar surface. This is reported in the specialized scientific journal Communications Biology. Plants grown on the Moon would be the key to life there.
Challenging crops
is there a possibility of human life extending beyond Earth? Well, it depends on plants growing in extraterrestrial environments. The scientists in charge of the research provided details.
“This crop is challenging. Plants in lunar regolith were slow to develop. Therefore, many showed severe effortful morphologies.” In addition, Moon-grown plants expressed genes with ionic modifications. Something similar to the reactions of plants to salt, metals and oxygen.
“The interaction between plants and lunar regoliths will need to be understood in the future. And, if possible, mitigated. It should allow efficient use that supports life on lunar stations,” they reported.
Recently the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) resumed human missions to the Moon. Since then, the scientific community has become increasingly interested in the natural satellite’s environment. Its impact on terrestrial biology is being questioned, the specialists added.
NASA aims to rearticulate a long-range exploration of the satellite. In this scenario, plants have been extensively projected to be added to lunar habitats.
Lunar missions
what is the presence of plants on the Moon being sought for? It could ensure extended stays of human exploration on the satellite. And directly impact the amount of resources required for survival.
Plants, they noted, can provide information on many aspects. For example, gravity, radiation, and other biological aspects linked to outer space. In addition to indicating routes of terrestrial biological adaptation to astronomical exploration environments.
Plants are central in the provision of food and oxygen. They also recycle water and absorb carbon dioxide. Will we ever see a lush garden on the moon?
