Scientists of Ukrainian Academy of Sciences Natalya Kozirovska and Irina Zayec proved it possible to plant herbs on the Moon. During the experiment they managed to plant marigold on the soil, identical to the Moon regolite.
Scientists imitated the Moon soil scientists took grind mineral anorthosite. This magmetic rock is nothing like fertile soil. In this rock flowers couldn’t survive for a long time. But as soon as certain bacteria were added, the plants revived and started blooming. Bacteria process magmetic rock, providing flowers with necessary minerals like kalium. This is pretty interesting considered that flowers can live in the most difficult conditions. Though the flowers while planted still need atmosphere and water, but the fact that a very essential part –fertile soil – can be omitted, makes the entire process much easier.
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Astronauts could create simple hothouse with an easy watering system, add to the grind coat bacteria and seeds, and soon our natural sputnik will be covered with flowers that will bloom for at least one moon hour. The experiment was shown to the European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna. The research was shown by Bernard Foing, the senior scientist of European Space Research and Technology Center (ESTEC) that works under the patronage of European Space Agency (ESA).
Foing said that there are no obstacles for this technology to be used on the Moon. Scientists, he added, could start selecting plants most adjusted to living in severe conditions (including space radiation) or could even make its genetically modified species.
Nevertheless, ESA doesn’t make any plans about flowers planting. However, Earth flowers, planted on the Moon, could be as symbolic as flags of different countries that are sticked there. Flowers can be planted with robots’ help long before people will land on the Moon.
Translated by Lena Ksandinova
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