Exploring lunar caves: Scientists discover potential homes for future

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Scientists discovered indications of an accessible underground cave beneath the moon's surface. The underground cave is close to where Apollo 11 landed. It is 250 miles (400 kilometers) from where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed 55 years ago.

Researchers analyzed radar measurements taken by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and matched the results to lava tubes on Earth. They published their findings in the journal Nature Astronomy.

According to the scientists, the radar data merely exposes the early phase of the subsurface hollow. They estimate it to be at least 130 feet (40 metres) wide and tens of yards (metres) long, if not more.

The majority of the pits appear to be located in the moon's ancient lava plains, according to the scientists. There could possibly be some in the moon's south pole, where NASA plans to land astronauts later this decade. Permanently shadowed craters are thought to contain frozen water, which might provide drinking water and rocket fuel.

NASA intends to develop a semi-permanent crewed facility on the moon, while China and Russia have expressed interest in establishing lunar research outposts. However, a permanent lunar colony can only be established in surroundings free of cosmic radiation and with consistent temperatures.

Such caves could serve as an emergency lunar refuge since astronauts would be naturally protected from hazardous cosmic rays, solar radiation, and micrometeorites.