Scientists discover caves on moon could be home for humans

A new study published in Nature provides the first concrete evidence of an " cave like structure" on the Moon, located beneath the Mare Tranquillitatis pit. This discovery could pave the way for future human missions to establish permanent lunar outposts, marking a significant advancement in space exploration.

A cave discovered on the Moon, at least 100 meters deep, could serve as a potential site for a human base, according to scientists. The cave is part of a hidden network of underground spaces, researchers report.

Led by Leonardo Carrer, an assistant professor at the University of Trento, the research team confirmed a long-debated theory about the Moon. For decades, scientists have hypothesized the existence of natural, stable structures created by ancient lava tubes. Using data collected by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) in 2010, the Italian researchers have identified the first signs of one of these underground formations.

By analyzing variations in radar reflections and creating 3D simulations from the LRO's database, the team discovered a phenomenon consistent with the lava tube theory. The Moon's surface hosts more than 200 known "pits" across various regions, with the Mare Tranquillitatis pit being the deepest identified so far.

The absence of an atmosphere on the Moon presents numerous challenges for human exploration, including extreme temperature fluctuations, exposure to solar radiation, meteorites, and the regolith layer covering the surface. However, temperatures just a few hundred meters below the surface remain stable at around 17 degrees Celsius, providing a safer environment for human explorers. Despite these favorable conditions, the lack of breathable air remains a challenge.

Researchers now propose a comprehensive survey of all known lunar pits using the methodology outlined in the recent study. This approach could identify the most promising access points for future subsurface lunar exploration and aid in the construction of a human base in a protected underground environment.

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NASA's Artemis program, which aims to usher in a new era of lunar and outer space exploration, could benefit significantly from these findings. The program's long-term objective is to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon, thereby facilitating future missions to Mars. The discovery of ancient underground caves could turn this ambitious goal into a tangible reality, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for space exploration and the lunar economy.