Lunar Shadow Project is an analytical and research publication dedicated to the far side of the Moon. We combine scientific journalism, mission analysis, and philosophical inquiry to make lunar far side research accessible to planetary scientists, astronomers, researchers, educators, students, and space enthusiasts. Based in Berlin, Germany, we serve as a bridge between complex lunar science and public understanding.

The lunar far side remains one of the least explored and least understood regions in accessible space. Despite comprising half of our nearest celestial neighbor, it receives far less attention in popular discourse compared to the near side. The far side offers unique scientific opportunities—from pristine geological records to radio astronomy potential—and raises fascinating questions about planetary formation, exploration ethics, and humanity's relationship with invisible spaces. We believe this overlooked hemisphere deserves dedicated, rigorous examination.

Our content serves multiple audiences: planetary scientists and astronomers seeking comprehensive mission analyses; lunar researchers requiring synthesized data; science journalists covering space exploration; educators teaching astronomy and planetary science; university students in related fields; and informed general readers interested in space exploration. We strive for technical accuracy while maintaining accessibility for non-specialist audiences.

Every article undergoes thorough fact-checking and expert review. Our writers consult primary sources including mission data from space agencies (NASA, ESA, CNSA), peer-reviewed scientific literature, and subject matter experts. We cite all factual claims, provide references, and explicitly acknowledge uncertainties in current scientific understanding. Our editorial standards prioritize accuracy over sensationalism, and we issue corrections promptly if errors are identified.

Our research draws from multiple authoritative sources: NASA missions (LRO, GRAIL, Artemis planning); ESA programs (SMART-1, Moon Village concepts); CNSA's Chang'e missions; peer-reviewed journals including Icarus, Nature Astronomy, and The Planetary Science Journal; institutional databases from USGS Astrogeology and the Lunar and Planetary Institute; and international space law documents. We provide comprehensive citations for all significant claims and data.

We prioritize quality over quantity. Rather than adhering to rigid schedules, we publish when we have thoroughly researched, fact-checked content that adds value to lunar science discourse. Typical output includes 6-8 major analytical articles annually, along with shorter updates on significant mission developments, interview publications, and resource compilations. Major lunar events (mission launches, landings, discoveries) may prompt additional timely analyses.

We write in analytical third-person perspective, avoiding promotional language, clickbait, and sensationalism. Our goal is informing rather than persuading. We present multiple perspectives on controversial topics (such as resource extraction ethics) while clearly distinguishing factual reporting from interpretation. Scientific uncertainties are explicitly acknowledged rather than obscured. We maintain editorial independence from space agencies, commercial entities, and political organizations.

Yes, we welcome collaboration with researchers, scientists, and experts in planetary science, astronomy, space engineering, and related fields. Contribution opportunities include: co-authored analytical articles; expert interviews; guest commentaries on specialized topics; peer review of our content; and collaborative research projects. Contact us at contact@lunarshadowproject.org with your proposal, area of expertise, and preferred collaboration format.

We consider proposals for contributed content but cannot guarantee publication. If you have expertise in lunar science and wish to propose an article, please submit: a 200-300 word abstract outlining your topic; your relevant credentials and affiliations; 2-3 samples of your previous science writing; and explanation of why this topic matters for lunar far side understanding. We typically respond to proposals within 3-4 weeks.

Educators are welcome to use our content for non-commercial educational purposes with proper attribution. Our articles serve as supplementary materials for astronomy, planetary science, and space exploration courses. We can provide citation guidelines, suggest appropriate articles for different education levels, and potentially arrange virtual presentations for educational institutions. For curriculum integration or bulk educational use, please contact us to discuss appropriate arrangements.

Please use the following format: Article Title. Lunar Shadow Project, Publication Date. URL. Example: "Geological Secrets of the Lunar Far Side." Lunar Shadow Project, January 15, 2025. https://lunarshadowproject.org/blog-article-farside-geology-analysis.html. For specific citation style requirements (APA, MLA, Chicago), adapt this format accordingly. Include access date for digital citations. We appreciate being informed when our work is cited in published research.

Limited excerpts (up to 300 words) may be quoted with proper attribution and link to the original article. Complete republication requires written permission. For translation into other languages, translation rights, or inclusion in anthologies or textbooks, contact us at contact@lunarshadowproject.org with details about intended use, distribution, and attribution. We generally grant permission for non-commercial educational and scholarly purposes.

Images on our website come from various sources: Unsplash and Pexels images are used under their respective free license terms; NASA and ESA images are generally in the public domain with appropriate attribution; third-party images are used with permission or under applicable licenses. Each image's source and licensing should be verified before reuse. We do not claim copyright over public domain space agency imagery. For specific image licensing questions, contact us with the image URL.

We use Google AdSense to generate modest revenue supporting website operational costs (hosting, domain registration, research tools). Advertisement revenue helps maintain our independence from institutional funding sources that might influence editorial decisions. Ads are clearly distinguished from editorial content, and we do not allow advertising to compromise content integrity. You can manage ad personalization through Google Ads Settings.

We collect minimal personal data necessary for website functionality and communication. When you submit contact forms, we collect provided information (name, email, message content). We use cookies for website functionality, analytics (Google Analytics), and advertising (Google AdSense). We do not sell personal information. For comprehensive details, review our Privacy Policy. You have rights to access, correct, or delete your data; contact us to exercise these rights.

We strive to make our content accessible according to WCAG 2.1 guidelines. Our website includes: semantic HTML structure; alt text for images; keyboard navigation support; readable font sizes and color contrast; and mobile responsiveness. If you encounter accessibility barriers, please contact us at contact@lunarshadowproject.org so we can address them. We continuously work to improve accessibility for all users.

Key differences include: thicker crust (50-60 km vs. 34-43 km); far fewer maria (volcanic plains) covering only 2% vs. 31% of surface; higher crater density indicating older, less resurfaced terrain; different compositional characteristics; and complete electromagnetic shielding from Earth. These asymmetries reflect different geological histories and make the far side scientifically distinct. Our article "Geological Secrets of the Lunar Far Side" explores these differences in depth.

Several factors limited far side exploration: direct radio communication with Earth is impossible due to the Moon blocking signals, requiring relay satellites; landing on the far side presents greater technical challenges; near side locations were prioritized during initial exploration (Apollo missions); and sustained international focus on near side studies created path dependence. China's Chang'e 4 (2019) became the first far side lander, marking a new era of exploration. Future missions through Artemis and international programs will increase far side access.

Long-term lunar presence will likely include far side installations, particularly for radio astronomy facilities benefiting from electromagnetic shielding. Proposed concepts include: permanently shadowed crater research stations; radio telescope arrays in far side craters; relay satellite infrastructure supporting operations; and resource utilization facilities if economically viable. Timelines remain uncertain, but 2040-2060 represents plausible ranges for sustained far side presence. Technical, economic, and political factors will determine actual development.

For questions not addressed in this FAQ, please visit our Contact page to send us a message. You can reach us via email at contact@lunarshadowproject.org or by phone at +49 30 5879 4312 (Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00 CET). We typically respond to inquiries within 48 hours.