Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Scientists have confirmed the existence of a cave on the moon, located near the historic Apollo 11 landing site, in a finding that could transform future lunar exploration and habitation.
The cave is situated in the Sea of Tranquillity, approximately 400 kilometers from where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first set foot on lunar soil 55 years ago.
Formed by the collapse of a lava tube, this cave is one of over 200 similar pits identified on the lunar surface, representing potential sites for future exploration.
Italian-led researchers used radar measurements from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, comparing the data with Earth’s lava tubes to confirm the cave’s existence. Their findings were published in Nature Astronomy.
The study reveals an underground cavity at least 40 meters wide and potentially tens of meters long, accessible from the moon’s deepest known pit.
These caves could serve as ideal shelters for future astronauts, providing protection from cosmic rays, solar radiation, and micrometeorite strikes. They may offer a more practical solution than building habitats from scratch, despite potential reinforcement needs.
The caves hold significant scientific value, with rocks and materials within offering insights into the moon’s evolution and volcanic history, shielded from harsh surface conditions.
NASA’s plans for future lunar missions, including landings at the south pole, may benefit from this discovery. The south pole region, with its permanently shadowed craters believed to contain frozen water, could also harbour similar cave structures.
This landmark finding not only enhances our understanding of lunar geology but also brings the dream of sustainable long-term human presence on the moon closer to reality. Exploring these natural formations could be crucial for the success of future lunar bases housed in ancient lava tubes.