Welcome to the future, where children are not only born on Earth but also on the Moon.
This is no longer a distant science fiction story but a realistic possibility in the not-so-distant future. But how will being born on the Moon differ from being born on Earth? And if you are one of the first “Moon children”, how will your body and life change? Let’s explore the challenges, adaptations, and differences that children born on the Moon may face.
Beginning Life 384,400 km from Earth
If you are born on the Moon, the first thing you will see is not the barren and harsh surface of this satellite, but a modern base. Here, there is no atmosphere to shield you from radiation, daytime temperatures can soar to 120°C, and drop to -130°C at night. However, your life will not begin under such harsh conditions. You will be born in a protected base, equipped with advanced technology and surrounded by a team of astronauts.
Although gravity on the Moon is only one-sixth that of Earth, this does not provide many advantages for the birthing process. Pregnancy on the Moon may last longer than normal, as fetal development occurs more slowly. Furthermore, in space, your mother may lose 1-2% of bone density each month, making the birthing process more difficult and dangerous compared to being on Earth. To ensure safety, cesarean delivery may become the primary method of birth for babies on the Moon.
Children born on the Moon may have thinner bone structure than those on Earth.
Physical Differences Between “Moon Children” and Earthlings
Children born on the Moon will face some distinct biological changes compared to Earthlings. The lower gravity may cause your bones and muscles to develop differently. Moon children may have thinner bones and less muscle mass compared to Earthlings, due to an environment that does not require significant load-bearing capabilities.
Moreover, your skin may also evolve to adapt to the new environment. On Earth, melanin in our skin helps protect us from solar radiation. However, since the Moon lacks an atmosphere, children born here may need to develop darker skin to combat radiation. Conversely, if life primarily occurs in sealed bases or space suits, the skin of “Moon children” may be lighter due to a lack of exposure to sunlight.
A greater challenge for those born on the Moon will be the immune system.
The Evolution of a New Species
If, for some reason, Earthlings and those born on the Moon do not meet and intermarry over a long period, biological separation could lead to the formation of a new human species. While this may take hundreds or even thousands of generations, you will be among the first individuals to experience this remarkable evolution.
However, a greater challenge for those born on the Moon will be the immune system. Living in a closed environment with limited exposure to Earthly pathogens may weaken your immune system. Interacting with people from Earth could make you more susceptible to infectious diseases, and conversely, you may also introduce new risks to those on Earth upon returning.
Challenges of Returning to Earth
If you are born on the Moon and have the opportunity to return to Earth, your body will have to undergo a challenging adjustment to the greater gravity on the Moon. You will need one to two weeks for your body to acclimatize, and during this time, feelings of dizziness and loss of balance may be uncomfortable experiences. Engaging in simple activities like walking, running, or even standing up quickly could become very challenging.
Earth’s light will illuminate your life on the Moon.
Earth’s Light on the Moon: A Spectacular View
However, one special thing that “Moon children” will enjoy is the spectacular view of Earth from the near side of the Moon. Earth reflects about 37% of sunlight, making it 43 times brighter than the Moon when viewed from Earth. The light from Earth will illuminate your life, creating a beautiful sight, but perhaps unsuitable for those who prefer to sleep in complete darkness. If this bothers you, you can move to the far side of the Moon, where darkness always prevails.
The Evolution of Humanity in Space
Being born on the Moon will present you with significant challenges and differences compared to Earthlings. However, this life also opens up new opportunities, a step forward in humanity’s journey to conquer space. From adapting to a new living environment to potential biological evolutionary capabilities, you will be among the first to experience a new chapter in human development.
Being born on the Moon is just the beginning. In the future, we may dream of living on other planets, such as Mars. But before we get there, “Moon children” will be the pioneers, carrying both the hopes and challenges of humanity expanding into space.
