Context

Astronomers are looking forward to opening a new window on the universe by posting high-resolution telescopes on the moon, and in orbit around it.  One such proposal, PRATUSH, hails from India.

1: Dimension-Challenges for Earth-based Telescopes:

• Earth-based telescopes, optical telescopes (which collect visible light at longer wavelengths) and radio telescopes (which collect radio waves with the shortest wavelengths), face hurdles due to the atmosphere's interference.
• Optical telescopes struggle with pollution, while radio telescopes contend with electromagnetic interference from various sources, including communication signals.
• It also does not help that the earth’s ionosphere blocks radio waves coming from outer space.

2: Dimension-Benefits of placing telescope on Moon

• Scientists are considering placing optical and radio telescopes on the far side of the moon, which always faces away from the earth.
• Clear visibility: The pristine, airless desolation of the moon provides optical telescopes crystal-clear seeing conditions throughout the long lunar night.
• Protection: Radio telescopes on the lunar far side will also be protected by the moon (its diameter is 3,476 km) — that blots out radio transmissions from the earth and electrically charged plasma winds blowing from the Sun.
• It promises the most radio-quiet location in the solar system.