The Moon’s Importance and Influence
The sun and moon work together, bringing light to the Earth—one during the day and the other at night. Without both, life on Earth wouldn’t be possible. The moon acts like a radiant mirror, reflecting sunlight, and its movement has fascinated scientists for centuries. In ancient India, Vedic texts called the moon “Soma,” a symbol of the mind, time, and nature’s nourishing power.
The moon’s gravity helps keep Earth’s tilt stable, which ensures we have relatively steady climates. It also controls ocean tides, which are critical for marine life. For example, fish and coral, like those in the Great Barrier Reef, time their reproduction based on the moon’s cycle. During full and new moons, they release eggs and sperm at the same time to maximize fertilization. Birds and other animals also rely on the moon, with seabirds laying eggs when the full moon provides extra light. Migratory birds use the moon to navigate during their long journeys at night.
The moon’s phases might even influence human moods. Ancient traditions suggest lunar cycles affect our hormones, and some modern theories support this, too. Additionally, farmers in many cultures used the moon to decide when to plant and harvest crops. People also fasted during specific lunar phases, as it was believed to help with bodily cleansing. The moon affects soil moisture and plant growth at night, showing how deeply connected it is to life on Earth. Yet, despite all these benefits, current plans aim to exploit the moon’s resources rather than appreciate its significance.
Plans to Exploit the Moon
In 2020, NASA created the Artemis Accords, an agreement signed by several countries to allow private companies to start mining the moon. NASA also plans to build a space station for future missions, and potential resource extraction, including rare earth elements and helium-3 (He-3). Helium-3 is seen as a potential fuel for nuclear fusion, providing clean energy with little radioactive waste. While rare on Earth, there’s more of it on the moon, making it a target for mining. The discovery of water on the moon has added to these plans, with ideas for using it as fuel for space missions to other planets. Ambitious projects, such as building infrastructure on the moon, are also being discussed.
More on the topic: https://www.gravel2gavel.com/lunar-natural-resources/
Ten Reasons to Declare the Moon a Living Entity
- From Exploration to Exploitation
When Neil Armstrong first walked on the moon, he called it “one giant leap for mankind.” Today, the focus has shifted from exploration to exploiting its resources. This shift goes against the growing awareness of environmental conservation on Earth. Instead of exploiting the moon, we should adopt the mindset of “Admire the moon, leave it whole.”
- Bringing Earth’s Harmful Practices to the Moon
Human activities on Earth have already caused significant environmental damage, including climate change. Unfortunately, we are now exporting these harmful practices to the moon. According to Justin Holcomb from the University of Kansas, humans have already altered the moon’s surface. This marks the start of what he calls the “Lunar Anthropocene” era. Since 1959, human-made changes on the moon will last for millions of years. Scientists like Holcomb warn that future lunar missions could cause even more harm.
More on the topic: https://www.popsci.com/science/human-activity-moon/
- The Universe’s Perfect Proportions
The moon’s exact distance from Earth is 108 times its diameter, a perfect balance that helps sustain life. Interestingly, the sun’s distance from Earth is also 108 times its diameter. The number 108 holds special significance in many cultures and natural patterns. Instead of appreciating these cosmic mysteries, we are looking to exploit the moon.
- Methane Levels and Mass Extraction: A Warning
As a comparison, consider how methane levels have increased since the pre-industrial era. According to NOAA, methane has risen from 700 parts per billion (ppb) or 0.00007% to 1,922 ppb or 0.00019% by 2024, contributing to global warming. Similarly, extracting even a tiny fraction of the moon’s mass—just 0.00001%—could have unpredictable consequences for Earth.
See link: https://gml.noaa.gov/ccgg/trends_ch4
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- Earth’s Balance: A Warning from Nature
The universe is intricately balanced to sustain life, where even small imbalances in body chemistry, soil composition, or ocean ecosystems can cause significant harm. For example, phosphorus makes up just 1% of the human body, yet a deficiency can lead to serious health issues. Similarly, healthy soils require about 5% organic matter, and a drop in this percentage can render the soil infertile. Whales, though a small fraction of ocean life, are vital to maintaining ocean health. Their extinction would impair the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon, disrupting the delicate balance of nature. This raises an important question: Could exploiting the moon alter the quality of moonlight, and what effects might this have on life on Earth?
- New Discoveries Show How Little We Know
A 2024 study revealed that poly metallic nodules on the ocean floor can produce oxygen through electrochemical processes, even without sunlight. This discovery challenges our previous understanding of oxygen production. It also shows how little we know about our own planet, let alone the moon. Yet, we continue to assume we understand everything about the moon.
More on the topic: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/scientists-discover-dark-oxygen-on-the-ocean-floor-generated-surprisingly-by-lumps-of-metal-180984778/
- Ancient Vedic Wisdom: Unity Between Cosmos and Humans
Vedic teachings highlight a deep connection between the cosmos and humans, with the universe’s structure reflected in our bodies. In Human Physiology: Expression of Veda and Vedic Literature, Tony Nader, MD, PhD, links the moon to the pineal gland, often called the “third eye,” which regulates sleep cycles. Nader explains that the moon’s phases influence nature and time, while its calming effects help the pineal gland manage melatonin, balancing sleep and emotions. In Vedic thought, the moon symbolizes the mind and emotions, aligning with the pineal gland’s role in mental clarity and biological rhythms.
- Reflections of the Universe
Spiritual teachings, such as the belief that humans are created in the image of God, alongside the Vedic concept of the unity of the macrocosm and microcosm, indicate a profound connection between humanity and the cosmos. In India, celestial bodies like the sun and moon are revered for their life-sustaining qualities, and disrupting these cosmic forces would undermine the natural order that maintains universal harmony.
The moon has been esteemed across numerous spiritual and cultural traditions, from ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian lunar deities to its symbolic significance in Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. It is no wonder we refer to it as a “celestial body.”
For more information on moon worship, see the article from Encyclopedia Britannica: Moon Worship.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/moon-worship
- The Moon as Earth’s Balancer
Think of Earth as a tightrope walker, with the moon acting as a balancing pole. If even a small part of the pole were damaged, the walker would lose balance. In the same way, the moon stabilizes Earth’s tilt, rotation and climate. Any disruption to the moon’s mass could have serious consequences for life on Earth.
- Rivers Are Declared Living Entities—Why Not the Moon?
Several countries have declared rivers, mountains, and other natural landmarks as living entities to protect them from exploitation. For example, the Ganges River in India and the Whanganui River in New Zealand have been given legal personhood. Yet the moon, despite its importance to life on Earth, is not protected in the same way. Declaring the moon a living entity would help safeguard it from human exploitation and could even reduce the growing geopolitical tensions over its resources.
Conclusion & Call to Action
The moon is far more than a distant rock—it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of life on Earth. Just as rivers, mountains, and forests have been recognized as living entities with rights in several countries, it is time we extend the same recognition to the moon. Declaring the moon a living entity would not only safeguard it from unchecked exploitation but also reflect humanity’s growing awareness of the interconnectedness of all life in the universe.
I call upon international organizations such as the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and global space agencies to convene a diverse council of scientists, legal experts, environmentalists, and spiritual leaders, including Vedic scholars. This council’s mission would be to draft a global framework that grants the moon legal protections. Designating only specific lunar sites as protected areas within a unified lunar environment raises important concerns about consistency—yet, this remains the current approach.
By protecting the moon, we are not merely safeguarding a celestial body; we are defending the intricate system of life that depends on its stability. Future generations should look back on this moment and see that we chose preservation over exploitation, wisdom over short-term gain. If we fail to act now, we risk causing irreversible harm not only to the moon but to Earth and the life it sustains.
Ram Ramprasad is a passionate advocate for sustainability. He has written many articles on sustainable strategies for well-known publications. Ram has also served as the Global Marketing Director for a leading multinational company in the USA. He holds degrees from Madras University in India and Yale University in the USA.
