Newly-discovered Moon caves could offer shelter for future missions.

In a significant breakthrough, researchers have discovered evidence of accessible underground cave networks on the Moon. 

These networks, which include over 200 pits on the lunar surface, have been identified as potential shelters for future crewed missions. 

The finding by researchers from the United States and Italy, detailed in a recent Nature Astronomy paper, offers new possibilities for long-term human habitation on the Moon.

The study focuses on the Mare Tranquillitatis Pit, the deepest known pit on the Moon. 

With a radius of around 100 metres, this pit features vertical or overhanging walls and a sloping floor. 

Using radar data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, the researchers observed increased radar brightness on the west side of the pit. 

Simulations based on these radar images suggest the presence of a cave conduit extending from the west side of the pit bottom. 

This conduit is estimated to be located at a depth of 130 to 170 metres, measuring between 30 to 80 metres in length and approximately 45 metres in width.

The potential accessibility of these cave conduits provides a temperate environment compared to the harsh surface conditions of the Moon. 

The researchers say that these lava tubes or conduits could be a common feature under lunar plains, making the Mare Tranquillitatis Pit a promising site for a potential lunar base. 

Leonardo Carrer and Lorenzo Bruzzone, leading the study, note that the methodology used could be applied to assess and characterise other lunar pits to identify additional conduits.

The discovery of these subsurface openings on the Moon is not just a scientific curiosity but a pivotal step toward the future of space exploration and habitation. 

As the researchers state; “The Mare Tranquillitatis Pit and its conduit could support long-term human exploration of the Moon, offering shelter from the harsh surface environment”.