Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by finding an entrance to a huge moon cave on the lunar surface. This entrance, located in Mare Tranquillitatis, collapsed into a lava tube, making the underground cave accessible from the moon’s surface. This exciting find has opened up new possibilities for future human and robotic exploration of the moon, as well as providing insights into lunar volcanism.
Lunar pits, which are elliptical craters formed by the surface collapsing into an underground void, have long been thought to be potential skylights into cave conduits on the moon. More than 200 of these pits have been identified on the moon’s surface, sparking speculation about the existence of lunar lava tubes.
Researchers from the University of Trento in Italy, led by planetary scientist Leonardo Carrer, used orbital synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments to map a hidden cave on the moon. They first tested this method on terrestrial cave systems in Lanzarote, Spain, and the Well of Barhout in Yemen before applying it to the Mare Tranquillitatis pit on the moon.
The radar data collected by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2010 revealed a reflection from the bottom of the pit, indicating the entrance of a cave, likely part of a lava tube. The researchers created a 3D visualization of the lava tube based on the radar measurements, estimating its dimensions and depth below the lunar surface.
This discovery has significant implications for future lunar exploration, as intact lava tubes could provide shelter for astronauts and valuable insights into lunar volcanism. The researchers believe that studying the rocks inside the cave, which have been shielded from weathering and alteration, could reveal crucial information about the moon’s volcanic history.
While this find is a major breakthrough, researchers emphasize the need for further exploration to determine if other lunar pits are connected to lava tubes. Better radar coverage of the moon will be crucial in identifying additional subsurface features and understanding the movement of lunar magma.
The discovery of the entrance to a huge moon cave represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the moon’s geology and potential for future exploration. With international interest in lunar missions growing, further research into these underground structures could uncover valuable information about the moon’s volcanic past and pave the way for sustained human presence on the lunar surface.
Kimberly, a News and Features Writer for Eos.org, covers space science, climate change, and STEM diversity, justice, and education. Her expertise in planetary science and passion for exploration bring a unique perspective to this exciting discovery on the moon.