Radio astronomers have a difficult time listening to the universe because of so much radio noise from the swarm of communication satellites orbiting Earth. They want to move their studies to the far side of the moon for the peace and quiet they need to listen to the universe.

Italian astronomer Claudio Maccone is one of many radio astronomers who are in favor of constructing a radio observatory on the moon’s shielded side. It would supply a break from the satellite noise and Earth-based noise. In addition to filtering radio noise from earthly emissions, placing the scope on the moon will expand astronomers’ coverage of the radio spectrum by allowing them to gather wavelengths that are now naturally absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere.