The next great land area that man hopes to colonize is the moon. In size it is nearly equal to the area of North and South Americas. However, it presents a hostile environment. Temperatures range from + 120 to - 150 degrees Centigrade. There is no air, no water.
Today there is considerable scientific speculation about living on the moon. When man will begin life on the lunar surface is still not determined. But experts believe that colonization will take place in three steps. First, there will be increasing periods of exploration with temporary shelters. These periods will be followed by longer stays with housing under the surface of the moon and daily necessities brought by the colonizers themselves. Finally, colonies that are self-supporting will be established.
The principal job of the early settlers will be to stay alive. They will have to plant crops under huge domes to produce food and oxygen and find water sources. After this is done, the settlers will have time to explore the possibilities of commercial development and to make discoveries important to science.
The characteristics of the moon that make it bad for human survival may make it ideal for certain kinds of manufacturing. Operations requiring a vacuum, extreme cold or sterility are examples. Precision ball bearings, industrial diamonds or pharmaceuticals might be produced on the moon.
1. The area of the moon is______.
A. about the same as that of North and South Americas
B. larger than that of North and South Americas
C. equal to that of North and South Americas
D. far smaller than that of North and South Americas
2. The temperature on the moon can be as high as______.
A. - 150°CB. + 270°C
C. + 120°CD. - 30°C
3. According to this passage, the colonization of the moon______.
A. will soon be realized
B. can be done under the lunar surface
C. is being speculated by many scientists
D. sounds entirely impossible
4. To stay alive on the moon, the early settlers must first of all be able to ______.
A. develop commerce
B. get enough food, oxygen and water
C. make discoveries important to science
D. explore the possibilities of industrial development
5. Though the environment on the moon is bad for human survival, it is very good for _____.
A. making such things as industrial diamonds
B. all kinds of manufactured goods
C. medical operations
D. commercial development
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