From: cdorrough@nortonconsultants.com   
      
   "Paul F. Dietz"  wrote in message   
   news:pZqdnULXMd7JvqffRVn-3w@dls.net...   
   > Mike Combs wrote:   
   >   
   > > A power grid spanning the entire globe of the moon would be a pretty   
   > > formidable industrial accomplishment.  I can't see it happening in any   
   > > near-term future.   
   >   
   > I suspect a power grid on the moon is considerably more difficult than   
   > one on earth, even ignoring the difference in labor cost.  A high voltage   
   > conductor in dense air is insulated by that air, but in vacuum you'll be   
   > constantly generating high energy ions and electrons in the surrounding   
   plasma,   
   > and possibly causing runaway discharge due to their collision with   
   surfaces   
   > and secondary ion production.   
      
   That's assuming that you'd run the cables suspended above the surface   
   somehow...   
      
   If you were serious, you'd probably direct bury them - AIUI, moon dust is a   
   great insulator.   
      
   Cameron:-)   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
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