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Scientists Complete Radio Telescope for Moon’s Dark Side Mission

Final assembly begins for moon-based LuSEE-Night radio telescope

From Hacker News Original Article Hacker News Discussion

Brookhaven National Laboratory has completed the major equipment phase for LuSEE-Night, a radio telescope designed to operate on the moon's far side and capture signals from the universe's "Dark Ages." This project aims to test the feasibility of lunar radio astronomy while overcoming harsh lunar environmental challenges.

Why it matters: LuSEE-Night will explore ancient radio waves shielded from Earth’s interference, potentially unlocking secrets of the early universe.

The big picture: The telescope serves as a pathfinder to enable future long-term radio astronomy missions on the lunar far side.

The stakes: LuSEE-Night must endure extreme temperature swings, radiation, and power constraints during 14-day lunar nights and days.

Commenters say: Enthusiasm for the mission’s scientific ambition is high, with some noting the harshness of the lunar environment mirrors that of Earth’s visible side.