Man first landed on the moon 41 years ago. Yet, space faring nations across the globe, including India, continue sending missions to this natural satellite of our planet. So what is so special about our celestial neighbour that continues to fascinate mankind?
Fascinating facts
According to former chairman of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) G. Madhavan Nair, it is the unending mystery surrounding it keeps mankind going back to the moon. “Often the question is asked ‘why the moon'. There are a lot of mysteries and hypotheses on the origin of moon, by probing into which we could possibly throw light on the origin of the earth, solar system and even the universe,” he said while interacting with students at the EduWorld Genius Meet 2010 organised by EduWorld Foundation.
There is also man's selfish interest for the commercial exploitation of minerals and metals found on the moon. “For example, Helium 3, emitted from the sun and deposited on the moon, could become a possible answer to the fossil fuel crisis in the future. However, a lot of studies, experiments and explorations are required for this,” he explained.
He also pointed out that even though the world leaders had been keen on moon exploration since the mid 1960s, it is India's Chandrayaan that became instrumental in discovering water on moon.
Replying to students' queries, the former ISRO chairman added that with concerted efforts, resources and funds, India could launch a manned mission to the moon by 2021. He urged the students to take up science and scientific studies and find out the answers to the mysteries of the universe.
Save Earth
Around 125 students participated in the one-day programme which included talks and interactive sessions by Indian Institute of Space Science Technology director B.N. Suresh, Brahmos Aerospace managing director A. Sivathanu Pillai, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) director E.D. Jemmis and Shanti Swarup Bhatnakar Award 2009 winner S.K. Satheesh. EduWorld Foundation chairman V.S. Jayakumar and Dr. Abraham George were also present.
Mr. S.K. Satheesh, who is a faculty of Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Research (CAOS), IISc, Banglore, said that the long-term impact of global warming on climate change is difficult to predict. Saying that the issue of global warming could only be addressed through global consensus, Mr. Satheesh pointed out that the developed countries, which are demanding the developing countries to reduce black carbon aerosol emission, should first control their own emission of carbon dioxide, which can remain in the atmosphere for 100 to 200 years.
Mr. Satheesh added that students could do their part in reducing global warming by using bicycle instead of motor vehicles and opting for public transport.
