From the Sea of Tranquility to Galveston Bay, Artemis II mission Serves as a reminder of the links between the moon and the waters of earth
Texas A&M University at Galveston researchers ride the tides to answer key questions about the lunar pull on marine ecosystems
From ancient myths and poetic fascination to scientific discovery and human exploration, the Moon has captivated humanity for centuries. Long before astronauts walked on its surface, writers imagined voyages beyond the surly bonds of earth as generations looked skyward in wonder. This week, as people celebrate the successful launch of Artemis II – the first crewed mission to lunar orbit in over 54 years – the moon once again takes center stage in humanity’s endeavor to understand our place in the cosmos.
While the Artemis II mission serves as a vehicle to turn humanity’s gaze outward, researchers at Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) are focused on how the gravitational pull of the Moon shapes all life on earth in profound ways. This pull is particularly felt within the world’s oceans.
“So much of what we see in marine ecosystems is impacted by the moon from the timing of coral mass spawning events to fish predator-prey behavior and the navigation of sea turtles,” said Dr. Antonietta Quigg, Regents Professor, Department of Marine Biology, College of Marine Sciences & Maritime Studies Texas A&M University at Galveston.
Texas A&M University is one of only 24 institutions nationwide to hold the triple designation of land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant university, positioning the system at the nexus of terrestrial, marine and space science. At TAMUG – the “sea” portion of the grant triangle – researchers examine life on and beneath the ocean’s surface where lunar forces quietly orchestrate some of the planet’s most critical biological processes.
Nearly three quarters of the earth is covered by ocean, and those waters serve as global highways for 90% of international trade supporting everything people eat, wear, and use. Understanding how ocean systems function – and how they respond to forces beyond Earth – is essential to sustaining life and commerce on the planet.
Following the Moon to Understand Life Below the Surface
At TAMUG, Dr. Quigg’s research examines how lunar-driven tidal cycles influence nutrient movement and biological productivity at the critical boundary between estuaries and coastal waters – zones that are among the most productive and most vulnerable ecosystems on earth.
The moon’s impact on marine environments is in effect through all parts of the food chain. In fact, phytoplankton concentrations – at the lower end of the food chain – often bloom in phase with the monthly lunar tidal cycle. Peak abundances of phytoplankton are typically observed during spring tides at the near new/full moon phase of the lunar cycle.
Exploring what we Know Least
Humanity has physically explored more of the Earth’s oceans than outer space. However, more comprehensive maps and observational data regarding the surface of celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars exist than of the ocean floors. Roughly 80% of the global ocean remains unmapped, unobserved, and unexplored.
Giant Leaps Above – and Below
The Artemis II mission symbolizes humanity’s return to the Moon – not because it is easy, but because exploration expands knowledge and advances society. At Texas A&M University at Galveston, that same spirit drives research that reveals how an orbiting body once imagined to be made of cheese continues to shape nearly every aspect of life in the world’s oceans.
As humanity looks up once again, Sea Aggies remain at the forefront of discovery below – leading, innovating, and exploring the vast blue frontier that sustains all life on earth.
