Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery, an underground moon cave that could serve as a shelter for future astronauts. This finding, reported by an Italian-led team, sheds light on an “underground, undiscovered world” beneath the lunar surface. It was created by collapsed lava tubes. Let’s dive into the details.
The Moon Cave
Lunar Cave is located at the Sea of Tranquility, just 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Apollo 11’s historic landing site, this cave was identified using radar measurements from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO).
LRO is currently orbiting the Moon in an eccentric polar mapping orbit. It was launched on June 18, 2009. The pit leading to the cave was formed by the collapse of a lava tube, similar to over 200 other holes discovered on the moon. The radar data reveals only the initial part of the underground cavity, but scientists estimate it to be at least 130 feet (40 meters) wide and tens of yards long.
A Promising Site for Lunar Exploration
Why is this discovery so significant? First, the cave offers shelter from the harsh lunar surface environment, making it a promising site for a future lunar base. Lunar temperature ranges from -208°F (-133°C) at night to 250°F (121°C) during the day at the equator with temperatures as low as -410°F (-246°C), so the newly discovered Moon cave will offer shelter.
With a consistent temperature of 17°C, it provides a stable habitat for humans. However, building within the cave would be challenging and time-consuming, requiring reinforcement of the cave walls to prevent collapse.
The moon has both bone-chilling cold and bone-burning heat and temperature changes are so quick, the reason behind this is Moon doesn’t have an atmosphere like our Earth.
Unaltered Clues to Lunar History
Beyond its potential as a shelter, the cave holds valuable scientific insights. Rocks and materials inside these lunar caves remain unaltered by surface conditions over the years, allowing scientists to study the moon’s evolution. Understanding its volcanic activity and geological history is crucial for future lunar exploration.
The leading theory suggests that the Moon formed about 4.5 billion years ago when a Mars-sized body collided with Earth. Debris from this cataclysmic impact coalesced to create our natural satellite, which orbits 239,000 miles away.
Looking Ahead
British astronaut Helen Sharman predicts that humans could inhabit lunar pits like this one within 20 to 30 years, although exiting the cave might require “jet packs or a lift” due to its depth. As we continue to explore our celestial neighbor, discoveries like this remind us of the hidden wonders waiting to be uncovered beneath the moon’s surface.
The confirmation of this lunar cave marks a significant milestone in our understanding of the moon and opens up exciting possibilities for human exploration beyond Earth. Stay tuned for further developments as scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of our cosmic companion.
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