Title: Why China is
Fixated on The Moon
Author: David Shukman
Publication: BBC News
Source:
Date: November 29th, 2013
The moon has always been regarded as a topic of interest by
our world’s leading nations. In the past, nations such as the United States and
Russia have taken their turns at exploring earth’s natural satellite, however,
China has now advanced as the most recent country to begin their decent onto
the moon. In an article published by BBC News, Professor Ouyang, acting as an
advisor to the recent mission announced by China, gives insight into what
exactly has the Chinese so intent on surveying the moon. Within the interview,
Professor Ouyang explains the three motives behind the Chinese moon mission. One
of the key aims, explains Ouyang, is to further improve knowledge about earth’s
neighbors, specifically the moon. He believes that by doing so the Chinese will
be able to gain insight into the moon’s origins, as well as its evolutionary
process. This motive is regarded as one of the key aims behind the mission.
Furthermore, Ouyang emphasizes the positive effects this
mission will have on technological advances in China. The mission is believed
to result in vast improvements within various fields, including:
communications, computers, IT skills, as well as the use of different
materials. Moreover, Ouyang adds that a third and equally important motive
behind the mission is the aim to create China’s own intellectual team. When
questioned as to exactly what makes the moon so enticing, Ouyang gave reporters
insight into some of the various benefits the moon has the ability to provide Earth.
The moon is known to hold exotic materials, like helium-3, as well as the
potential for solar power. Both of which hold great importance to humankind. In
fact, it is believed that the moon is so rich in helium-3 that it very well may
“solve human beings” energy demands for around 10,000 years at least .Overall,
with numerous motives and various beneficial factors, it is no wonder why China
is so fixated on the moon.
I found these two articles very interesting, as I believe it strongly connects to the “Resources” topic which we have studied in class. If we control emissions of dangerous pollutants, and use the moon and perhaps even other planets to our benefit as resource, we may be able to stabilize grand issues affecting the Earth and atmosphere such as global warming and so on. On the other hand, will we display ourselves as selfish once again and take all the resources from the moon before allowing them to be renewed? I hope not. In any case, the exploration of the moon will be a grand advantage and aid in scientific aspects to our society.
Interesting opinion... I think that it's only a matter of time before mankind, collectively, stops abusing resources. My point is; it's a matter of time before we realize that we simply cannot 'afford' to be greedy and arrogant when it comes to resources, even those which we recently discovered. I think that we won't abuse any form of resource we find on our satellite
ReplyDeleteVery interesting article. I have never thought of the moon as a potential natural resource...I never knew that it has any resources on it, especially after they tried to get water off of it a few years back. What exactly is Helium 3 used for I wonder...nuclear fission perhaps? After reading this review, I wonder if the moon will become something that all nations are going to fight for again, like the minerals of the ocean or oil in Antarctica...
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