First green leaf on moon dies as temperatures plummet
The appearance of a single green leaf hinted at a future in which astronauts would grow their own food in space, potentially setting up residence at outposts on the moon or other planets. Now, barely after it had sprouted, the cotton plant onboard China’s lunar rover has died.
The plant relied on sunlight at the moon’s surface, but as night arrived at the lunar far side and temperatures plunged as low as -170C, its short life came to an end.
Prof Xie Gengxin of Chongqing University, who led the design of the experiment, said its short lifespan had been anticipated. “Life in the canister would not survive the lunar night,” Xie said.
(Score: 2) by Freeman on Friday January 18 2019, @06:15PM
"Seeds germinated on the International Space Station sprouted roots that behaved like they would on Earth—growing away from the seed to seek nutrients and water in exactly the same pattern observed with gravity." https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/121207-plants-grow-space-station-science/ [nationalgeographic.com]
The only thing new here, is that China successfully conducted an experiment involving germinating a plant on the Moon. Then that plant died due to extreme cold, but apparently as expected. Since, apparently it wasn't insulated/heated well enough to survive the cold.
Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee"