Human Colonies on the Moon?

I recently stumbled across an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, and remained astonished as I read the headline; "Moon mission looking at possible colony sites." Though it appears my current news events are a bit belated, I did not hesitate to acquaint myself with the subject. Sure enough, only four months have the launch date, the spacecraft known as LCROSS (Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite), successfully made contact with the moon.

The destination, a crater in the south pole region known as Cabeus. Because this location lacks sunlight, it remains at a constant temperature of -170 degrees Celsius. This provides for an ideal accumulation of ice and lunar water. With present characteristics, it also provides for a cost-efficient location for lunar habitation; as it will eliminate the need to transport water from Earth. Although many other factors will present themselves on whether or not colonization is possible, many advantages and disadvantages are also debated.

Advantages:

The moon can be considered a stepping stone to further space exploration. Because of its relative distance to Earth and the Solar System, space stations can be established to aid future expeditions. Round trip communication delays is near a few seconds, and short transit times to and from Earth will prove beneficial in emergency situations; i.e. asteroids, etc. The north pole region offers direct sunlight that will allow colonists to farm and produce crops. Eventually, it will initiate the beginning of space colonization and pave the way for future opportunities.

Disadvantages:

With lunar nights being longer than the days, the colony would rely heavily on solar powered items to efficiently conduct experiments and maintain proper living conditions. Another factor that will thus be decided involves the minimal amount of gravity on the moon. This may incorporate future health concerns such as deterioration of muscle mass and bone support. I, for one, would think that colonists would spend much time indoors however, and operate in a similar environment they have become accustomed to on Earth. If this was the case, the concern regarding gravity may be less problematic. As mentioned previously, the atmosphere of the moon increasingly attracts meteors and asteroids; even small debris can generate enough force to rupture structures and establishments...proving to be a very dangerous territory.

I, however, am amazed with such discoveries and am willing to pay a small increase in taxes to fund such operations. Unfortunately, I am yet less likely to experience such in my generation; though I am sure those to come will.

San Francisco Chronicle (2009): Moon mission looking at possible colony sites. Retrieved Nov 13, 2009 from http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/17/MNJ41887O2.DTL