Cave found on moon could help shelter astronauts
- The underground cave was detected by radar
- Caves could potentially shelter astronauts from radiation and other dangers
- NASA hopes to return astronauts to the moon with the Artemis program
FILE – This Dec. 24, 1968, file photo made available by NASA shows the Earth behind the surface of the moon during the Apollo 8 mission. (William Anders/NASA via AP, File)
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(NewsNation) — Scientists have discovered a cave on the moon, raising hopes that such structures could help provide shelter for astronauts in the future.
Scientists have theorized there are hundreds of caves under the surface of the moon, but this is the first time they have confirmed one. Using radar data, scientists found evidence of a cave near the Sea of Tranquility, where Apollo 11 astronauts landed in 1969.
Researchers believe underground caves could help provide a safe place for human habitation on the moon in the future.
NASA is currently working to return humans to the moon with the Artemis program. The next step is set to be an orbital flight around the moon, followed by the first human landing in decades.
The agency hopes to eventually establish a more long-term human presence with a moon base, which could allow for more in-depth scientific research and also provide a jumping-off point for deeper space exploration.
Actually living on the moon, however, comes with significant challenges, including a thin, unbreathable atmosphere, intense radiation exposure and exposure to regolith, or moon dust, which can damage mechanisms and seals on landers and habitats.
Scientists hope that underground caves could make building a habitable base easier by providing protection against radiation, extreme temperatures and space weather.
Researchers hope to use cameras and possibly robots to explore the cave, which is believed to be an empty lava tube, in more detail.
