Very low frequency radio astronomy from the moon

Abstract

Lunar development is virtually certain to occur in the next 10–20 years. Very low frequency radio astronomy observations can and should begin with the first lander. A modest yet powerful near-side array should be built if backside development will be substantially delayed. A major backside array should be constructed when technology and funding permit. Ultimately the full dimensions of the radio-quiet backside of this splendid natural spacecraft will be exploited to give several arcsecond resolution at 10–20 MHz and fractional arcminute resolution below 1 MHz. It is already time to begin long-range planning for these developments, and in particular to preserve through internationally recognized bodies as much as possible of the radio-quiet status of the lunar backside.