Italian astronomers from the University of Trento have confirmed the existence of a lunar cave located in the Sea of Tranquility region using radar data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, verifying the presence of caves theorized 50 years ago.
The cave is approximately 45-150 feet wide, 100-260 feet long, and may extend 100 meters below the surface, originating from the collapse of a lava tube.
Over 200 similar pits have been identified, potentially leading to an extensive system of underground caves formed by collapsed lava tubes.
Radar data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and images from other lunar orbiters suggest the presence of caves and tunnels beneath the moon's surface, including a cylindrical hole more than 300 feet wide with a cave linked to it, potentially an emptied lava tube formed by ancient volcanic activity.
Astronomers have theorized about a network of caves and tunnels beneath the moon's surface for over 50 years, and the recent discovery confirms the existence of longer underground conduits.
These lunar caves may protect future astronauts from cosmic radiation, extreme temperatures, and meteorites, making them ideal for housing crewed bases.
Building habitats inside the caves may be more efficient than constructing from scratch. The rocks and materials inside can also provide insights into the moon's evolution and volcanic history.
However, entering and exiting may require advanced infrastructure due to challenging topography.
Researchers believe there could be hundreds more caves on the moon, including at the south pole where NASA plans astronaut landings. Most of these pits are located in ancient lava plains formed by volcanic activity.
NASA is preparing for its first crewed mission to the moon in over 50 years. Only 10 people have walked on the Moon since Apollo 11, with the last being in 1972 during Apollo 17.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: BBC, Business Insider, CNN, Axios, El Pais, ETV Bharat, Fast Company, Futurism, Independent, The Economist, NASA, New York Post, Sky News, Smithsonian Magazine, Time, Times of India, USA Today, Wired, Yahoo News, AP News.