Japan is exploring a futuristic idea that sounds straight out of science fiction: covering the Moon with a massive ring of solar panels and sending clean energy back to Earth.
The concept, known as the “Luna Ring,” proposes wrapping the Moon’s equator with an enormous belt of solar panels stretching roughly 11,000 kilometres. The aim is to generate solar power in space and beam electricity wirelessly back to Earth using microwaves or lasers.
The proposal comes as solar technology becomes cheaper and more widespread, though one major problem still exists on Earth: the sun goes down. Energy demand usually spikes at night, just as solar panels stop producing power. A lunar solar network, in theory, could help solve that issue.
The project envisions using lunar soil to build infrastructure directly on the Moon before covering the surface with solar panels. Supporters of the idea believe different parts of the ring would remain…