July 16 2024 – Scientists have discovered evidence of an accessible cave conduit beneath the moon’s surface, not far from Apollo 11’s historic landing site. The underground cave, located approximately 250 miles (400 kilometers) from where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first set foot on the moon 55 years ago, was identified through radar measurements taken by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and compared with lava tubes on Earth.
Published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the research suggests that this cave could serve as a “promising site for a lunar base.” Offering natural protection from the moon’s harsh surface environment, the cave could support long-term human exploration by providing shelter from cosmic rays, solar radiation, and micrometeorites.
The cave is accessible from the deepest known pit on the moon, located in the Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility). This pit, along with over 200 others identified on the lunar surface, was formed by the collapse of a lava tube, creating a potential skylight into the underground tunnel.
As NASA aims to establish a semi-permanent crewed base on the moon, and with China and Russia also expressing interest in creating lunar research outposts, the discovery of such caves becomes crucial. A permanent lunar base would require an environment protected from cosmic radiation and stable temperatures, both of which these underground caves could provide.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Lunar orbiters first spotted pits on the moon over a decade ago. These pits are believed to be skylights connecting to subterranean caves, such as lava tubes formed through volcanic processes. As interest in lunar exploration and habitation grows, the accessibility and natural protection offered by these caves present a viable option for future lunar bases and emergency shelters for astronauts.
This discovery marks a significant step forward in humanity’s quest to explore and potentially inhabit the moon, offering a practical solution to some of the most pressing challenges posed by the lunar environment.
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