The space program of the POT recently announced the distribution of seedlings known as ‘moon trees’who traveled around the Moon on the Artemis I missionto various institutions throughout USA. The purpose of this initiative is to explore the scientific and educational relevance of these trees with the students and in general, the student community and the teaching staffas well as its potential to inspire future generations and foster interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Project details
The ‘moon trees’ are seedlings that traveled around the Moon aboard the Artemis mission Yo from NASA. This selection of seedlings represents a variety of tree species, including sycamores, sweetgums, Douglas firs, loblolly pines and giant sequoias. These seedlings were carefully selected and sent to institutions throughout the United States for planting in local communities.
From a point of view scientistthe ‘moon trees’ They have the particularity of inspiring us to study the effects of space travel on germination and the growth of the floors. Although most seedlings do not HE developed completely in space, the fact that they have been exposed to extreme conditions during his journey around of the Moon and with that it gives us valuable information about the ability of the floors to adapt and survive in environments aliens.
Besidesthe study how these seedlings develop in their new homes on Earth can provide information about the health and resilience of terrestrial ecosystems, as well as perspectives about the importance of conservation and preservation enviroment.
Why plant these trees in the US?
When planting and care for these trees in local communitiescan trigger a consciousness and pleasure on the part of students of all ages in citizen science projects and experiential learning activities. The Students can learn about the Moonspace exploration and the importance of environmental conservation while engaging in hands-on activities like sowingirrigation and monitoring of the growth of the trees in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments.
Why only in the United States and not throughout the world?
The NASA has chosen to distribute the ‘lunar trees’ mainly in state Joined, for several reasons. One of them is the logistics and administration of the project, since sending seedlings internationally can be complicated and expensive. By focusing on the United States, NASA can simplify the delivery process and ensure more efficient distribution to selected institutionsIn addition, the respective filters are needed to know which institution worldwide will make good and correct use seedling care. And exploring country by country it is clear that, financiallyis very unreasonable.
Furthermore, by focusing on local communities within the United States, NASA can establish a more direct connection between the trees that were planted and the local population. This may increase the educational and scientific impact of the project by involving communities in conservation and its study.
Share science, share knowledge.
