Scientists have unearthed, or rather, un-mooned, a cavernous surprise hidden beneath the dusty surface of our celestial neighbour.
Lunar caves, nestled near the historic landing site of Apollo 11, were discovered by an Italian-led team of researchers, sparking excitement among space enthusiasts and researchers alike.
The team of researchers announced on Monday the discovery of the caves using advanced radar technology aboard NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). This cutting-edge technology allowed scientists to peer beneath the lunar surface, revealing hidden caverns that could be habitats for future lunar explorers. They’re potential future homes for humanity, offering shelter from the Moon’s harsh environment, like cosmic rays and extreme temperatures.
The caves, formed millions of years ago by ancient lava flows, represent a significant find in lunar exploration and offer insights into the Moon’s geological history.
Lorenzo Bruzzone and Leonardo Carrer from the University of Trento, Italy, discovered the lunar caves nestled within the Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility), a significant lunar region near the Apollo 11 landing site. This location holds historical importance as the first place where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first set foot on the moon 55 years ago.
According to Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut to travel to space, these newly found caves appear suitable for a lunar base. Sharman told the BBC that it might be time to start saving up for moon real estate because humans could potentially inhabit these lunar pits within the next 20 to 30 years.
Analysis of the radar data revealed that the Mare Tranquillitatis pit, named after its location, is the most bottomless pit known on the Moon. Tucked away about 150 metres below the lunar surface, there’s a cave about 45 metres wide and stretching up to 80 metres—think 14 tennis courts put together.
Bruzzone suggested the cave was “probably an empty lava tube”. Its shape could be advantageous to future moon-dwellers as “a natural shelter against the harsh lunar environment,” shielding away harmful cosmic rays, solar radiation and micrometeorites.
But before planning lunar moving day, robots and cutting-edge technology will need to map out these subterranean lunar labyrinths, paving the way for future lunar expeditions and, dare we say, moon hotels.
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