US President Donald Trump stated on his social media that the Moon belongs to the United States, reports infohub.kz.
In his account on the social network Truth Social, the American leader posted an image of the Moon against the backdrop of Earth with the American flag and the caption "The Moon is ours."
However, as RIA Novosti notes, such claims have no legal force. Jamie Matthews, Professor Emeritus of Astronomy at the University of British Columbia, emphasized that the Moon is a common heritage, and even past landings by American astronauts do not grant the country rights to the satellite.
"No one can claim rights to the Moon. This is stated in the Outer Space Treaty," the professor explained.
This refers to the Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies, adopted by UN General Assembly resolution on December 19, 1966. The document was supported by 118 countries.
The agreement states, in particular: "Outer space, including the Moon and other celestial bodies, is open to exploration and use by all states without discrimination of any kind, on a basis of equality and in accordance with international law, with free access to all areas of celestial bodies."