The Moon To Feature A U.S. National Park?
Want some adventure on your summer vacation? Try a U.S. National Park!
Glacier National Park, Yosemite National Park, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore…the moon.
Yes, the moon!
The Apollo Lunar Landing Sites National Park on the moon has been proposed by Reps Donna Edwards (D-MD) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX).
They say that trips to the moon are likely to increase in the future from other nations and commercial groups making it necessary to protect and preserve the Apollo lunar landing sites.
The bill, H.R. 2617, lists some requirements:
- The Apollo Lunar Landing Sites National Historical Park will be established within 1 year of passage.
- The formation of a “general management plan” for the park within 18 months of passage.
- Ensure proper monitoring of the Apollo landing sites.
- Manage access to the sites with “other spacefaring nations and entities”.
Does the United States have any right to create a “National” park on the moon. That’s another debate.
I think we should focus our time and energy elsewhere. Maybe on the planet Earth. If someone wants to pick up our space litter, let them have it.
But, if we must create a National Park on the moon. Let’s at least have the common sense to name Will Smith as Administrator. Nobody has more experience.