Interview: Dr James Ring

Dr Ring is an astronomer engaged in research into improving optical instruments for studying the universe. Encouraged by the Soviet space missions, he is convinced that a permanent observatory based on the moon would be of immense value to his fellow astronomers. He also believes that such a telescope might be available in as little as five years.

Despite the optimism of scientists in the early 1960s and the achievement of NASA's moon missions, a permanent lunar base failed to materialise. Research into moon-located technology continues, however. In 2008, scientists from the Optics Laboratory of Laval University in Quebec, Canada, announced research into a large 'liquid mirror' telescope that could be assembled on the moon utilising materials found there. Such a telescope might be key to the construction of a permanent lunar observatory.