Scientists have long had their suspicions about the
moon
They may contain hidden depths. Now they have evidence that one really does exist.
In 2010, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which circles the Moon, took images of an interesting hole on the lunar surface, located within the same area as mentioned previously.
Apollo 11 astronauts
It landed. The extent of whether this was connected to larger cavern systems remained unclear, but planetary researchers revisited data from the probe and concluded it is actually an underground cavity. Additionally, further exploration revealed potential indications suggesting numerous similar formations might exist across the lunar surface.
“We’re merely scratching the surface,” Wes Patterson, a planetary scientist from Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, stated as he co-authored the recent study.
Nature Astronomy
, told SofTech.
These caves are probably lava tubes, which are geological features formed due to volcanic activity. Lava tubes occur in various parts of our planet and come into being as molten rock, also known as magma, rises close to or reaches the surface, thus shaping these natural passages. The formation begins with a crust developing over flowing lava; subsequently, the channels become empty either because the lava flows away or gets redirected somewhere else. It’s possible for people to walk through them.
giant lava tubes
on Earth.
To ascertain whether the pit was connected to an extensive tunnel network, scientists examined additional information gathered by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter using a radar device known as Mini-RF. As the orbiter passed above the depression located within the lava plains of Mare Tranquillitatis—commonly referred to as the “Sea of Tranquility”—the craft emitted signals into the cavity. These signals reflected back, offering (through geometric analysis and computational models) proof indicating the presence of a passage roughly 130 feet (or about 40 meters) across and potentially stretching up to 80 meters—or around 260 feet—in length. The findings revealed that the pit indeed forms parte de un sistema tunelar más grande.
skylight
.
“This constitutes our initial direct proof of a conduit linked to one of these depressions,” Patterson stated.
To strengthen their findings related to the moon, the researchers conducted a comparable analysis of a lava tube right here on Earth.
Earth
. Their process worked.
This tunnel isn’t just an interesting geological discovery; it might be crucial for the future.
moon exploration
, or colonization.
“It is a location that will safeguard us,” Patterson stated.
On the lunar surface, astronauts from
NASA
And other agencies will face a quadruple threat from micrometeorites, extreme cold, extreme heat, and radiation.
particularly from the sun
. The moon has no atmosphere, which means, for instance, humans could face temperatures of around 260 degrees Fahrenheit (127 Celsius) on the sunlit side. Therefore, they will require protection.
space
agency plans to
send astronauts back to the moon
once late 2026 arrives.)
It is a location that shields us.
Patterson pointed out, “We could construct structures on the moon that would provide similar safety levels as being inside a lava tube, but achieving this would require significantly more infrastructure.”
Lava tubes may not be the sole underground cavities on the moon. Other tunnels could also form due to powerful impact events generating significant heat, particularly around the lunar poles. However, this extensive lava tube within the Sea of Tranquility might serve as an essential site for a potential future moon base or landing zone.
There might be significantly larger or connected caverns awaiting discovery. Future observations, possibly from spacecraft orbiting the Moon, may uncover more information regarding the lunar lava tubes.
Patterson stated, “They might form vast networks.”
