We propose that an array of 4 x 4 small-diameter telescopes, possibly 1 m in radius, be placed on the far side of the Moon for continuous monitoring of nearby stars for the existence of a planetary companion, similar to the Earth, and feasible for human colonization. The advantages of this location include long intervals of darkness, availability of a rigid platform in the form of a moon body, and most importantly, the absence of the atmosphere that allows the complete transmission of radiation in the spectral range from UV to millimeter waves. The task is facilitated in that the telescopes would act as light "buckets" to collect photons during long integration periods. All other technology has already been demonstrated, as humans in person delivered optical elements to the Moon's surface during the Apollo era. The disadvantages are primarily operational, in terms of requiring the establishment of a human habitat on the Moon. Likewise, all aspects of constructing a large 75 m by 75 m mirror array on the Moon's surface will be challenging. Simultaneously, the decreased gravity requires less effort and less energy to perform the construction tasks. The absence of atmosphere permits the search to extend from less than 10 to 300 mu m to find Earth-like or even much colder planets. (C) 2016 Optical Society of America
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机译：我们建议在月球的另一侧放置一个4 x 4小直径望远镜的阵列，半径可能为1 m，以便连续监视附近的恒星是否存在与地球相似的行星伴侣，并且可行为人类殖民。该位置的优点包括：黑暗的间隔时间长，月球体形式的刚性平台的可用性以及最重要的是，由于没有大气，因此无法完全透射从UV到毫米波的光谱范围内的辐射。该任务的便利之处在于，望远镜将充当光的“桶”，以在长积分期间收集光子。在阿波罗时代，人类亲自将光学元件传递到月球表面时，所有其他技术也已经得到证明。缺点主要在于需要在月球上建立人类栖息地方面。同样，在月球表面构造75 m×75 m大型反射镜阵列的所有方面都将具有挑战性。同时，减小的重力需要更少的精力和更少的精力来执行施工任务。由于没有大气层，因此搜索范围从不到10微米扩展到300微米，从而找到了类似地球甚至更冷的行星。 （C）2016美国眼镜学会
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