Plants 'thrive' on Moon rock diet

"one of the agency's senior officials has dismissed the idea as "science fiction"."

Yeah, just like the Mars Rover, satellites, the wrist radio and many other things. Science fiction has a tendency to become real. What a butthead.

This science is rather scary when you think of the consequences that we may unleash by trying to grow plants on the Moon. The simplest of plants my thrive on the Moon, but how much do we want them to "thrive"? What if we introduce a simple plant to the surface of the Moon and it thrives to the point where it literally "takes over" that celestial body? Can it happen? I don't perport to have that answer, but I think more extensive investigation is warranted here. The "pollution" of the Moon with an earthly plant growth is very scary to me.

Maybe you jest, but in case not: plants won't grow in a vacuum. The Moon plants would only grow inside of pressurized buildings. Even if plants could grow in a vacuum, would a Moon covered with greenery really be less preferable than a one covered with barren rocks and dust?

You bring up some good points. And I am "quasi-serious". First of all, plants are very adaptable generally. The atmosphere atop the highest of mountains isn't a "vacuum" by any stretch of the imagination, but how much would it take for a plant indigenous to that atmosphere to adapt to the atmosphere on the Moon, given that the Moon is so close to the Earth and doesn't have the total vacuum demonstrated by bodies further outside the Earth's influence?

And, a Moon covered in greenery, although pretty, may not have the reflective power that a barren, rock strewn Moon surface may have. Now, is that a problem? I don't know. Is that even fact? I don't know that either. That is why my original response implies that we should proceed with caution in an experiment such as this. Much can be learned from such an endeavor, but caution is imperative.

I think you have a valid point in that changing the Moon's reflectivity might cause problems on Earth -- especially to any animals or insects that depend on moonlight. And in principle, plants could adapt to near-vacuum conditions by evolving an impermeable outer skin. But I think the transition could not occur abruptly from 1 atmosphere to near vacuum in one jump (as in the case of plants suddenly escaping the Moon labs). The plants would probably need much time and also some genetic engineering help from humans. But there still remain more problems. The moon's surface has very little water, and the plants would need access to more water as they grew. The temperature can get very cold -- far below freezing. The plant's skin, as well as tightly holding in volatile molecules, and acting as a heat radiator/solar collector, would need to protect the plant from the damaging effects of strong UV light and cosmic rays.

Commoner, do you have any sense at all or are you afraid of everything. The story said the plants grew well in crushed Moon rock HERE ON EARTH, WHERE THERE IS AIR, WATER AND MODERATE TEMPERATURES!! All of those are lacking on the Moon. Are you perhaps 8 years old or are you really that ignorant? I sincerely hope you are not an engineer.

Actually, I am not as afraid as you may think. I am simply furnishing fodder for discussion. As they say, "If you can't stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen." As for being an engineer, I question your affiliation as I am skeptical that any engineer worth his salt would be as insulting as you have demonstrated. I apologize if my ignorance disturbs you. I guess I am not as learned as you.

Commoner - Glad to hear that you are not as that post led me to believe and were just attempting to get something stirred up. It was late, the dog was barking at me and I was irritated by several other utterly ignorant statements. I apologize for dumping my frustrations on you, thinking that you were ignorant and not realizing that it was supposed to be tongue-in-cheek, a joke. In rereading it now I can laugh over it, knowing it was not serious.

Engineers are human too and I have met a few that could insult like Don Rickles, but were serious about it.

Thank you Taganan!! You have just elevated yourself to a new position of esteem in my book. I accept your apology unconditionally, even though it wasn't necessary. Perhaps I was little touchy myself. I'll try to thicken up my skin a little and not allow my emotions to interefere with my more "scientific" side, if you will. I look forward to more discussion with you on future topics. Thanks again.