NGM SEPTEMBER 2025
MOON 2150

There are two competing visions for the future of the moon: One a scientific utopia: with the ultimate radio observatory to observe the “dark ages” of the universe, next generation particle accelerators to probe the nature of reality, the source of helium 3 to power clean fusion energy, a waypoint for further exploration of the cosmos. The other: a junkyard of billionaire fail-bots, a ruined history book of the solar system, an over extracted natural resource, a once pristine world forever blemished. The Artemis II mission will bring humans back to the moon. What should the moon look like in 2150? How should it be governed? How should it be conserved? The time to answer these questions is now, as the new moon race heats up. Other features in this issue include:
• Restoring the Lost Tortoises of the Galapagos – How breakthrough genetic science is reviving an icon
• Cannabis in the 21st Century – Scientists and users alike are discovering the potential of new high-potency pot
• Rails and Ruins in the Yucatan – An inside look at the train aiming to transform Maya tourism