Scientists have confirmed the existence of a lunar cave not far from the historic Apollo 11 landing site. This groundbreaking discovery suggests there could be hundreds of similar caves on the moon, potentially serving as natural shelters for future astronauts.
An Italian-led research team announced evidence of a sizable cave accessible from the deepest known pit on the moon, located at the Sea of Tranquility, approximately 400 kilometers from where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first set foot on the lunar surface 55 years ago.
The identified pit is one of over 200 similar formations created by collapsing lava tubes. By analyzing radar measurements from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and comparing them with Earth's lava tubes, the team published their findings in the journal Nature Astronomy.
The radar data indicates that the underground cavity is at least 40 meters wide and tens of meters long, with potential for even greater dimensions. \"Lunar caves have remained a mystery for over 50 years. So it was exciting to be able to finally prove the existence,\" said Leonardo Carrer and Lorenzo Bruzzone of the University of Trento.
Most of these pits are situated in the moon's ancient lava plains, with some possibly located near the south pole—the future site of NASA's astronaut landings. These permanently shadowed craters may contain frozen water, offering a vital resource for drinking water and rocket fuel.
The discovery of these natural shelters could revolutionize moon missions by providing protection against cosmic rays, solar radiation, and micrometeorite strikes, reducing the need for constructing habitats from scratch.
Furthermore, the rocks and materials within these caves, untouched by the harsh surface environment over millennia, offer scientists invaluable insights into the moon's volcanic history and evolution.
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Scientists confirm lunar cave that could house future astronauts
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