U.S.SPACE WATCH

Can millions of people live on the moon? Scientists say not for long

The Harvard and Smithsonian study says a city of one hundred thousand people is more realistic on the moon; a million would drain the water.

On air: Kenji Moonfield, Brock Thunderson and Chip Darnell on BBN After Hours
Published 4:21 AM ET, Saturday, October 24, 2026

At a glance

First reported by CBC News: “Can millions of people live on the moon? These scientists say yes — but not for very long”, with reporting from CNN (via MySunCoast), Ecoticias (quoting the authors' paper), Frontiers in Space Technologies and Ecoticias (quoting CNN).
Covered on BBN on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 4:21 AM ET on BBN After Hours, by Kenji Moonfield, Brock Thunderson and Chip Darnell.

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

CBC NewsCan millions of people live on the moon? These scientists say yes — but not for very long
CNN (via MySunCoast)Study reveals how many people could live off the water on the moon September 20, 2026 · facts used on air
Ecoticias (quoting the authors' paper)Two Harvard and Smithsonian astrophysicists ran the numbers on water on the Moon and found a million-person city would drain 1 billion tons of ice in about a ce October 12, 2026 · facts used on air
Frontiers in Space TechnologiesFrontiers facts used on air
Ecoticias (quoting CNN)Two Harvard and Smithsonian astrophysicists ran the numbers on water on the Moon and found a million-person city would drain 1 billion tons of ice in about a ce October 12, 2026 · facts used on air

Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorA new study puts a number on those billionaire dreams of a moon city with millions of people, and the number is a problem.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorA city of one million would use up the moon's water in less than two and a half years, CNN reports.
Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistThe researchers say the moon holds a generous one billion tons of water in glass beads on its surface.
Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistThat's about nine hundred sixty feet of water standing over Central Park.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentNine hundred sixty feet.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorRecycle like the space station does and a million people stretch it to about one hundred years.
Chip Darnell · U.S. News AnchorA small city of one hundred thousand gets a thousand years, which sounds like a fine start.
Kenji Moonfield · Internet & Trends CorrespondentDr. Martin Elvis led it, and Jonathan McDowell calls water the gold of the solar system. So the first moon city gets a gold rush and a hose ban.
Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistAnd a drought forecast. I'm the only man qualified to give it.