From Space.com: The international scientific community has long been discussing the need to keep the far side of the moon free from human-made radio frequency intrusion.
Doing so can make possible observations of the unexplored early epochs of the universe known as the dark ages and cosmic dawn, scientists say.
The moon's far side always faces away from Earth. Consequently it is "radio-quiet," shielded by the moon itself from radio-frequency interference (RFI) that's pumped out by powerful Earth-based transmitters.
Moreover, the moon also lacks a substantial ionosphere, whereas Earth's ionosphere absorbs and refracts cosmic radio sources. Also, the lunar environment is dry and stable, leading to steadier and ultra-sensitive radio observations — like cupping an ear to listen for chatter from alien civilizations.
A newly established group called the Moon Farside Protection Permanent Committee, which is part of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA), has begun to frame issues and solutions to guard against RFI corruption of the moon's far side. Read more...