Episode Overview

In this thought-provoking episode of Moondust Noir, Dr. Susan Rashid explores the exhilarating rise of lunar tourism—an audacious dream that is now on the brink of reality. From ancient civilizations gazing up at the Moon to the groundbreaking Apollo missions and the dawn of private space exploration, this episode unpacks the past, present, and future of humanity’s journey to the lunar surface.

Key Segments

• A look at humanity’s early fascination with the Moon—from Babylonian astronomers to Galileo’s revelations.
• How Jules Verne and early cinema envisioned lunar travel before science caught up.
• The Cold War space race, the Apollo missions, and their lasting impact on space travel.

• The shift from government-led space missions to the rise of private space enterprises like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic.
• How SpaceX’s Dear Moon Project and NASA’s Artemis Program are setting the foundation for future lunar travel.
• The technological advancements making commercial space travel possible, from reusable rockets to lunar habitats and space stations.
• A sneak peek into the future of lunar hotels and excursions, including pressurized rovers, gravity-adapted tourism, and breathtaking Moonwalks.

• The legal implications: Who owns the Moon? A look at the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 and the Artemis Accords.
• China’s ambitious Chang’e program and the growing space race 2.0.
• The environmental concerns of lunar tourism: Will human presence damage the Moon’s fragile surface?
• The socioeconomic divide: Will space tourism be an elitist venture, or will it eventually become accessible to all?

• The cultural, philosophical, and scientific impact of turning the Moon into a travel destination.
• The big question: Will we treat the Moon with reverence, or will it become another exploited frontier?
• A final reflection: For the first time in history, humanity is not just looking at the Moon—we are preparing to walk on it again.

Dr. Rashid leaves listeners with an invitation to ponder:
"The Moon has watched over us for millennia. Now, as we prepare to leave our footprints on its surface once again, how will we shape this next chapter of our celestial story?"

Tune in for a mesmerizing deep dive into the future of space travel, only on Moondust Noir.

JFK Space Race Speech, Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay

Neil Armstrong/NASA, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons; https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Armstrong_Small_Step.ogg; 

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Armstrong_Small_Step.ogg

As we welcome the Lunar New Year of 2025, join Moondust Noir for an enchanting journey into the moon’s enduring influence on one of the world’s most celebrated traditions. In this episode, host Dr. Susan Rashid delves into the fascinating history and cultural significance of the Lunar New Year, exploring how the moon’s cycles have shaped calendars, agricultural practices, and spiritual beliefs for millennia.

Discover the deep roots of this celebration, from its origins in ancient China to its vibrant traditions across Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia, and beyond. Learn about the iconic Lantern Festival, the mythology of Chang’e and other lunar deities, and how communities worldwide honor the moon as a symbol of renewal, harmony, and transformation.

Whether you’re lighting lanterns or simply gazing at the night sky, this episode will inspire you to connect with the moon’s timeless message of hope and unity.

Lunar New Year Music (Chinese Holiday Celebration Background Intro), Music by Mykola Sosin from Pixabay

Chinese New Year, Music by LuLu Poli from Pixabay

Chinese New Year (Chinese New Year Celebration), Music by Roman Villatic from Pixabay

Lunar New Year - Chinese Epic Cinematic Music, Music by FASSounds from Pixabay

Chinese Lunar New Year Music, Music by Ievgen Poltavskyi from Pixabay

In this episode of Moondust Noir, we explore the miraculous and sacred event of Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj, a cornerstone of Islamic faith that transcends time and space. As the 27th of Rajab approaches, we reflect on the Prophet Muhammad’s extraordinary Night Journey and Ascension—moments that continue to inspire faith, hope, and resilience in the hearts of Muslims around the world.

Through vivid storytelling, we recount the Prophet’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem on the celestial steed Buraq, his prayer with previous prophets at Masjid Al-Aqsa, and his ascension through the seven heavens. At the pinnacle of this journey, he stood in divine presence, receiving the gift of Salah, the five daily prayers, which remain central to the lives of believers.

We delve into the spiritual significance of Al Isra’ wal Mi’raj, reflecting on its timeless lessons of perseverance through hardship, Allah’s mercy, and the unifying message of worship. The episode also highlights the profound connection between sacred spaces—Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem—and how this event symbolizes the shared heritage of monotheistic faiths.

Finally, we touch on the ways this night is commemorated around the world, from heartfelt prayers and Quranic recitations to personal reflections and community gatherings.

Join us as we journey through this celestial narrative, uncovering its history, significance, and enduring legacy. This sacred night serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always light, hope, and divine guidance.

Tune in to embrace the beauty of faith, the wisdom of history, and the inspiration of the moon.

Crickets, Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay

A Gentle Breeze, Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay

Horses, Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay

Ethereal Journey, Music by Marc Corominas from Pixabay

Islamic Call To Prayer, Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay

In this enchanting episode of Moondust Noir, host Dr. Susan Rashid takes us on a mesmerizing journey under the January full moon, known as the Wolf Moon. Through the haunting howls of wolves and the moon’s shimmering glow across frozen landscapes, we explore the myths, cultural traditions, and supernatural tales that make this celestial event so deeply resonant across time and space.

Highlights of the Episode:

The Origins of the Wolf Moon: Discover the historical and cultural roots of the Wolf Moon, named for the chilling howls of wolves echoing through winter nights, symbolizing survival and community.

Myths Across Cultures: Delve into the rich tapestry of folklore and mythology:

-Native American Tribes: Learn how the Arapaho and Choctaw tribes saw the Wolf Moon as a time for spiritual renewal and inner strength.

-Norse Mythology: Encounter Fenrir, the monstrous wolf of Ragnarök, and Sköll and Hati, the celestial wolves chasing the sun and moon.

-Roman Foundations: Explore the legendary she-wolf who nurtured Romulus and Remus, guiding the destiny of Rome.

-Inuit Beliefs: Uncover how wolves were revered as spiritual guides and symbols of survival in the Arctic wilderness.

-Slavic Guardians: Hear tales of wolves as mystical protectors of sacred forests and intermediaries between the human and divine.

-Japanese Wolves: Learn about the ōkami, sacred wolves regarded as divine protectors and guides in mountainous regions.

-Werewolf Legends: Unravel the chilling tales of werewolves and their connections to the Wolf Moon, from the Navajo skinwalkers to the Beast of Gévaudan and Peter Stubbe’s infamous confession.

A Lunar Call to the Wild: The Wolf Moon reminds us of the enduring bond between humanity and nature, its glow illuminating stories of survival, transformation, and harmony. Whether a symbol of primal resilience or a guide through the darkness, the Wolf Moon resonates with the wild spirit within us all.

Tune In: Join us for The Wolf Moon: Echoes of the Wild to experience the haunting beauty and timeless mysteries of this celestial event. Follow Moondust Noir to continue exploring the moon’s captivating influence on culture, myth, and the human spirit.

Background Photo Title: Journey to the Unknown: Astronaut Walking on Moon Beneath Twinkling Starry Sky

Image In Courtesy Of Adobe Stock; Artist: By Thavesak; Generated with AI

Background Music: Title: Ominous

Artists: Philip Ayers Composers: Philip Ayers

Audio source: Epidemic Sound

Adobe Stock Asset ID: #331429532

Wolf howl Sound Effect by FreeSoundsxx from Pixabay

The Moon’s Fiery Days and Icy Nights: A Journey Through Extremes

In this episode of Moondust Noir, titled "The Moon’s Fiery Days and Icy Nights: A Journey Through Extremes," we venture into the breathtakingly harsh environment of our celestial neighbor. The moon’s lack of atmosphere leaves it exposed to the unforgiving vacuum of space, where temperatures soar to blistering highs of 127°C (260°F) during the day and plunge to a freezing -173°C (-280°F) at night.

Join Dr. Susan Rashid as we uncover the science behind these extraordinary extremes and the critical role of lunar regolith, the moon’s dusty surface layer. Explore how these conditions challenge astronauts, rovers, and engineers in their quest to explore and one day inhabit this alien world. From ancient water ice preserved in cold traps to innovative technologies designed to withstand the moon’s fiery days and icy nights, this episode highlights the remarkable ingenuity driving humanity’s cosmic endeavors.

Dive into the mysteries and marvels of lunar exploration in this elegant, scholarly, and engaging episode—a celebration of human resilience and the wonders of space science.

Background Photo Title: Journey to the Unknown: Astronaut Walking on Moon Beneath Twinkling Starry Sky

Image In Courtesy Of Adobe Stock; Artist: By Thavesak; Generated with AI

Background Music: Title: Ominous

Artists: Philip Ayers Composers: Philip Ayers

Audio source: Epidemic Sound

Adobe Stock Asset ID: #331429532

The Moon’s Fiery Days and Icy Nights: A Journey Through Extremes

Boiling Water Sound - Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay

Ice/Winter/Snow - Walking On Ice - IV - Sound Effect by Gregor Quendel from Pixabay

Motivation Strings - Music by Universfield from Pixabay 

Hopeful Moment - Music by Novifi from Pixabay

NastelBom - Music by Dmitrii Spis from Pixabay

Mystery Atmosphere - Music by Universfield from Pixabay

1. Heiken, G., Vaniman, D., & French, B. (1991). Lunar Sourcebook: A User's Guide to the Moon. Cambridge University Press.
2. David Mimoun, Mark Wieczorek, Leon Alkalai, W. Bruce Banerdt, David Baratoux, et al.. Farside explorer: unique science from a mission to the farside of the moon. Experimental Astronomy, 2012, 33 (2), pp.529-585. 10.1007/s10686-011-9252-3. 
3. NASA. (2022). "Unique Science from the Moon in the Artemis Era." Retrieved from NASA.gov.
4. NASA. (2025). "Weather on the Moon." Retrieved from Weather on the Moon - NASA Science. 
5. "The Moon". Discovery 2008. BBC World Service. Archived from the original on March 11, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2025.
6. Leone, Giovanni et al. “Sverdrup-Henson crater: A candidate location for the first lunar South Pole settlement.” iScience vol. 26,10 107853. 9 Sep. 2023, doi:10.1016/j.isci.2023.107853. Liu, Bo, et al. "Research progress on the adaptability of lunar regolith simulant-based composites and lunar base construction methods." International Journal of Mining Science and Technology (2024).
7. Glaeser, Georg. "The Temperature on the Moon". Moonstruck: The Interplay of Celestial Bodies in Pictures, Berlin, Boston: De Gruyter, 2021, pp. 42-43. https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110763539-017. 

Background Photo Title: Journey to the Unknown: Astronaut Walking on Moon Beneath Twinkling Starry Sky

Image In Courtesy Of Adobe Stock; Artist: By Thavesak; Generated with AI

Background Music: Title: Ominous

Artists: Philip Ayers Composers: Philip Ayers

Audio source: Epidemic Sound

Adobe Stock Asset ID: #331429532

Background Music: Title: Mesopotamia Mystical Ambient by ozgurmmp

Background Music: Title: Ancient Egypt by iCENTURY

Background Music: Title: China by SilverHoof

Background Music: Title: Tribal by gballx

Background Music: Title: Ancient Ambient by SamuelFJohans by Pixabay

Background Music: Title: Moonlight Piano by Top-Flow by Pixabay

Sound Effect by freesound_community from Pixabay