Italian astronomers have made a discovery that could change plans for the exploration of the Moon. Analysis of data from the lunar orbital probe has revealed a subsurface cave that could become an ideal place for creating a lunar base.
Image source: JHUAPL/Carrer et al.
A team of scientists led by Leonardo Carrer and Lorenzo Bruzzone studied radar images of the lunar surface taken in 2010 by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The researchers concluded that in one of the areas the signal reflection indicates the presence of an underground cavity or tunnel tens of meters long, TechCrunch reports.
The discovered cave is located at a depth of about 100 meters in the Sea of Tranquility area, not far from the Apollo 11 landing site. According to scientists, it can provide reliable protection from radiation, meteorites and extreme temperature fluctuations on the surface of the Moon. Until recently, such tunnels existed only in theory, but now real evidence of their existence has appeared.
«This discovery turns theory into reality. Now, designing a habitable module inside such a lunar cave becomes a very real task,” note the authors of the study published in the journal Nature Astronomy. Experts believe that this discovery could significantly affect the plans of NASA and private companies to create long-term lunar settlements. A surge of interest in the development of technologies for the exploration and development of lunar caves is expected.
However, scientists warn that although the discovery of the lunar cave is a big step forward in the exploration of the Moon, it does not guarantee success, since the cave is located deep in the crater, which makes it difficult to access. Its dimensions are unknown, it may be too small or even unsuitable for settlement due to debris and dust. However, the very fact of its existence opens up new perspectives and could become a turning point in planning future missions.