Moon science

Ever since President George W. Bush originally proposed his Vision for Space Exploration, the question, "Why the Moon?," frequently arises, to which an answer, "To advance science," responds. An enumeration of the scientific advances that a return to the Moon would afford follows.
Geology of the early Earth
On the Moon are innumerable rocks previously deposited from the Earth, due to prior large asteroid and/or cometary impact events, with dates ranging from millions to billions of years ago. Because the Moon has virtually no wind and no weather to cause erosion, each of these rocks potentially holds a wealth of new information regarding the Earth's earliest history.
Moon telescopes
Telescopic studies originating from the Moon would have the potential to substantially surpass in power and detail any study originating from Earth, even from the Hubble Space Telescope.
Selenology
Geologic studies of the Moon would reveal much more about the Moon's interior than we presently know. To achieve this, scientists would like to set up on the Moon a "global network of seismometers."
Solar energy science
Since the Moon has virtually no atmosphere and no weather whatsoever, new techniques could be developed to beam huge amounts of renewable solar energy, 24 hours a day everyday, back to Earth, providing a plentiful energy source for both industrialized and developing countries.<ref name="SpaceCommentary" />
Unknown
As with the scientific discoveries only recently associated with scientific expeditions sent to Antarctica, we do not know what else we may find.<ref name="BBCrelease" />
Non-scientific
Non-scientific advances would also follow.<ref name="SpaceCommentary" /> Minerals could be mined on the Moon.<ref name="SpaceCommentary" /> Some of the minerals could be shipped back and used on Earth, or they might be used as resources supplying Moon-sourced construction and manufacturing.<ref name="SpaceCommentary" /> Miners and scientists employed on the Moon would require housing and facilities.<ref name="SpaceCommentary" /> An entirely new tourism economy could develop, requiring hotels on the Moon.<ref name="SpaceCommentary" />

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