Cosmic mysteries and the hydrogen 21-cm line: bridging the gap with lunar observations

Understand

The hydrogen 21-cm signal is predicted to be the richest probe of the young Universe including eras known as the cosmic Dark Ages, the Cosmic Dawn when the first star and black hole formed, and the Epoch of Reionization.

• This signal holds the key to deciphering processes that take place at the early stages of cosmic history.
• In this opinion piece, we discuss the potential scientific merit of lunar observations of the 21-cm signal and their advantages over more affordable terrestrial efforts.
• The moon is a prime location for radio cosmology which will enable precision observations of the low-frequency radio sky.