Photo: 'Lunar Ark' Proposed in Case of Deadly Impact on Earth

Email to a Friend << Back to Full Story


By 2024 NASA plans to set up a permanent outpost on the moon, as depicted in this artist's rendering.

Some experts are also pushing for a "lunar ark" of human civilization to be kept on the base.

The ark would allow people to preserve humanity's learning, culture, and technology if Earth is hit by a doomsday asteroid or comet.

Image courtesy NASA

EMAIL NEWSLETTER Photos and News of the Week

Get the top photos and news of the week from National Geographic News, plus occasional breaking-news alerts.

See Sample >>
Please enter a valid email address
Privacy Policy

MOST VIEWED NEWS

Earth's Core, Magnetic Field Changing Fast, Study Says

Even Modest Increases in MPG Can Equal Big Gas Savings

Amazon Tribe Attacked by Masked Gunners
NEWS FEEDS    After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed. After installing a news reader, click on this icon to download National Geographic News's XML/RSS feed.

Get our news delivered directly to your desktop—free.
How to Use XML or RSS

ADVERTISEMENT

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC'S PHOTO OF THE DAY

Today's National Geographic Photo of the Day

• Today's Photo

• Download as Wallpaper

Photo and Headline Widget

Put our latest news and photos on your Web page or desktop—automatically updates! See Sample
Download Widget