Scientists plan to lay fiber optic on the moon

We have heard of Nokia undertaking a groundbreaking plan to establish 4G LTE on the moon. Now, scientists are thinking of laying a fiber optic network on the lunar surface. But it’s not for merely the internet as much as for finding out its seismic mysteries.

The fresh plan is to explore the mysteries of the unknown world far above us. Scientists are planning on laying massive fiber cables on the moon that could shed insights into the seismic ongoings on the lunar world.

And they are quite serious about the initiative too. Recently, they highlighted the challenges of deploying fiber optics on the moon. They have already made experiments with theoretical networks with synthetic seismograms using data from the seismometers.

What’s also an awe-inspiring aspect of it all is that the data used from these seismometers were installed by the Apollo mission astronauts between 1969 and 1976.  The devices detected various seismic events on the near side of the moon.

It has been established that data assessment could figure out the types of seismic waves. This would be vital in identifying more insights into the Moon’s internal structure.

Also read: China Mobile makes a history: Launches 6G test satellite

Scientists plan to lay fiber optic cables on the moon to find seismic events

Seismic events have been largely documented on the near side of the moon. However, it’s very short on the far side. Scientists want to decipher this puzzle by adding more seismometers.

For the novel purpose, a Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) system has been proposed to be used. The system consists of detectors and sensors that will gather vital data on seismic events on the moon.

“Before launch, thorough numerical simulations of wave propagation are essential. We conduct extensive research to determine if we can obtain the data and what analyses can be performed with it,” one of the leading scientists said. The researchers believe that if they can find out methods to power and maintain fiber optics on the moon, the array could stay functional for a long stretch.

Fiber optic cable network is said to help understand seismic occurrences on the moon. While it’s not a commercial enterprise due to the obvious no presence of human settlements, the plan for lunar connectivity still remains a marvel of human intelligence and cloud in technology. Do you think that the human’s technological influence should extend beyond the earth? Do share in our comments below.

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