Scientists have discovered evidence of a large cave beneath the moon’s surface, located near the Apollo 11 landing site. This cave, formed by the collapse of a lava tube, could be a promising location for a future lunar base.
Researchers analyzed data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and compared it to lava tubes on Earth, publishing their findings in Nature Astronomy. The cave, accessible through a deep pit in the Mare Tranquillitatis (Sea of Tranquility), offers protection from harsh surface conditions like radiation and temperature extremes. This makes it a potentially ideal location for a long-term human presence on the moon.
The discovery of this cave is significant because NASA and other space agencies are planning to build lunar bases in the future. These caves could provide a safe and stable environment for research and exploration, potentially acting as emergency shelters for astronauts.