At the request of NASA, a new Consensus Study Report from the National Academies, “ Human Exploration Across the Moon ,” identifies high-value science destinations for short-duration human missions beyond the lunar poles.

Dan Dumbacher, professor in Purdue University’s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics and co-chair of the committee tasked with compiling the report, presented the culmination of 18 months of research during a briefing on Oct. 21.

“Humans for generations have aspired to explore, with the moon being the next logical step,” said Dumbacher, former chief executive officer of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. “This research outlines where humans could explore and why each location is important.”

Each location offers opportunities to study questions regarding moon geology, space weather and radiation hazards, according to the report.…