With technology gaining a new dimension every year, the limits of science continue to be exceeded. Only a few centuries ago, very little information was available even about planets in the Solar System. But right now we can get fascinating visuals from all over the universe. Our news about the best space photos of 2021 emphasizes this.
The idea of establishing colonies on other planets or moons of other planets occupies a special place among the studies carried out in the field of space. In this period when our exploration vehicles are roaming on Mars, many people think, “When will it be people’s turn?” question is included. Although the idea of establishing colonies and habitats outside Earth sounds exciting, Charles Cockell, professor of astrobiology at Edinburgh University, points out that colonies can have some frightening consequences.
‘All precautions must be taken’
Speaking to the media organization Metro, Cockell emphasizes an issue that experts also draw attention to. Stating that it is possible to experience a ‘food shortage’ in the colonies established in space, Cockell states that if the farming studies do not yield results and if extra food supplements cannot be sent from the Earth, the inhabitants of the colony may enter the path of cannibalism.
As an example, Cockell cites Sir John Franklin and his crew who, in 1845, explored the Arctic Ocean to find the Northwest Passage and then disappeared and became cannibalistic when their food ran out despite their state-of-the-art technology. He argues that people living in space colonies can take such an action when all remedies are exhausted.
Stating that every possibility should be considered and precautions should be taken before colonizing the Moon, Mars or Jupiter’s moon Callisto, Cockell said, “If you are going to leave 20 people in a deadly environment hundreds of millions of kilometers from Earth, you better take all the possibilities into account and take precautions. Because if things don’t go well, you may face a dark picture in a short time.
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