  The lunar geological record is expected to contain a rich record of the
galactic environment of the Solar System, including records of nearby (i.e.
less than a few tens of parsecs) supernova explosions. This record will be
composed of two principal components: (i) cosmogenic nuclei produced within, as
well as radiation damage to, surface materials caused by increases in the
galactic cosmic ray flux resulting from nearby supernovae; and (ii) the direct
collection of supernova ejecta, likely enriched in a range of unusual and
diagnostic isotopes, on the lunar surface. Both aspects of this potentially
very valuable astrophysical archive will be best preserved in currently buried,
but nevertheless near-surface, layers that were directly exposed to the space
environment at known times in the past and for known durations. Suitable
geological formations certainly exist on the Moon, but accessing them will
require a greatly expanded programme of lunar exploration.
