Here are just a few points--

1) Astronomy with no atmosphere: Observe the universe from the moon with no atmospheric problems and less seismic activity (1 million x’s less) which means more sensitive instruments than we could construct on earth. Observe stars even in the daytime. (Moon rotates very slowly (29.5 days); “night-time” is 2 wks long.) Observe coming asteroids/comets.

Ability to have instruments that allow us to see deep sky systems, and evaluate evolution of individual planets, compositions of atmosphere etc.; observation of nebulae, new stars and stellar systems in the act of formation. (Sensitive instruments—low natural temperatures on moon)

2) Understanding the planetary process and history: These geological processes and history are well exposed and easily reached. Magma ocean, crusts and volcanism with the flood lavas of the maria (“seas”)—probing the interior of the moon. (The study of central peaks of the moon will allow us to look at and analyze the deep crust. Study of upper crust from the ejecta, central peaks which have uplifted rocks - middle level. Impact craters; the nature of the process of impact.)

3) Study of the regolith (which contains a record of the output of the sun over the last 3 billion years).

4) Potential conversion of materials on the moon for resources. Develop instead of transporting materials to the moon for use. Also, solar energy (2 wk daytime) as a resource for work on the moon.

5) Resource example:

Materials such as glass/ceramics (because of no water in lunar soil) can be made from processed lunar soil and would be extremely strong.

6) Watch earth’s weather systems from the moon with increased understanding and forecasting.

Sources:

“The Once and Future Moon” - Paul D. Spudis (Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington and London )

“Patrick Moore on the Moon” – Patrick Moore (Cassel & Co, London )