Scientists have confirmed the discovery of a massive cave on the moon that could potentially be used to shelter astronauts in the future. This groundbreaking find is the result of an Italian-led research team’s analysis of radar images of the Mare Tranquillitatis pit, an elliptical skylight with vertical or overhanging walls and a sloping pit floor. The cave is situated at the Sea of Tranquility, just 250 miles from Apollo 11’s landing site.
The pit is believed to have formed due to the collapse of a lava tube, which suggests the possibility of hundreds more similar structures beneath the lunar surface. With several nations aiming to establish a permanent base on the moon, these caves could play a crucial role in providing safe and stable habitats for future astronauts.
The discovery has sparked excitement among scientists and space enthusiasts, as it offers a glimpse into the moon’s mysterious subterranean landscape
FOX NEWS
An Italian-led team of scientists say they have confirmed evidence of a sizable cave on the moon not far from where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed 55 years ago.
The cave is located at the Sea of Tranquility just 250 miles from Apollo 11’s landing site and researchers suspect there are hundreds more that could house future astronauts as several nations look to create a permanent base on the lunar surface for humans. Apollo 17 in 1972 was the final flight of the Apollo program.
The pit, like the more than 200 others discovered up there, was created by the collapse of a lava tube, scientists say.
Researchers analyzed radar images of the Mare Tranquillitatis pit (MTP), an elliptical skylight with vertical or overhanging walls and a sloping pit floor that seems to extend further underground. The radar images were captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2010 and compared the results with lava tubes on Earth.
“We find that a portion of the radar reflections originating from the MTP can be attributed to a subsurface cave conduit tens of metres long, suggesting that the MTP leads to an accessible cave conduit beneath the Moon’s surface,” and abstract from the study reads.
“This discovery suggests that the MTP is a promising site for a lunar base, as it offers shelter from the harsh surface environment and could support long-term human exploration of the moon.”
