If you were checking out last night’s lunar eclipse, spare a thought for researchers who say a “global consensus” is needed within the next few years to prevent “irreversible damage” on the moon’s surface. With numerous space agencies and private operators rushing to build bases on the moon for research and mining, there are concerns several prime sites will be trashed. It comes after a new report called for the safeguarding of sites of extraordinary scientific importance – aka SESIs. Report co-author Dr Alanna Krolikowski is one expert calling for countries with moon missions planned to make policies on this, but warns SESI protections are needed ”beyond the usual suspects in the established spacefaring states”. And while we’re talking space, the aurora australis could be visible from Victoria to Western Oz this week after a severe geomagnetic storm erupted on the sun’s surface.