Scientists Discover Underground Cave On Moon; Can Be Used As Shelter For Astronauts

Scientists have recently discovered an underground cave on the Moon that is accessible from the surface. Experts believe that the newly discovered cave, which is at least 130 feet deep, could be an ideal location for humans to build a permanent base. The Italian-led research team reported that the cave is located at the Sea of Tranquility, just 250 miles from the landing site of Apollo 11.

The crucial findings of the researchers have appeared in the journal Nature Astronomy. According to a BBC report, the cave was found by Lorenzo Bruzzone and Leonardo Carrer at the University of Trento in Italy. The report also indicates that the cave was created millions of years ago by the collapse of a lava tube. Scientists have analyzed radar measurements by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and compared the results with lava tubes on Earth. Notably, the cave has yet to be fully explored, and more research has to be completed to understand the full scale of the cave.

There is an accessible cave conduit under the lunar surface. Carrer et al.: https://t.co/HnW6g5AjDs pic.twitter.com/bOAi9htsGg

— Nature Astronomy (@NatureAstronomy) July 15, 2024

Researchers also believe that there could be hundreds of caves on the moon. Multiple reports suggest that such locations could be used as natural shelters for astronauts, and it will protect them from solar radiation and cosmic rays. “It’s really exciting. When you make these discoveries and you look at these images, you realise you’re the first person in the history of humanity to see it,” Leonardo Carrer said, as quoted by the BBC.