Italian scientists have confirmed the existence of a cave on the Moon, located not far from the landing site of astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
This new discovery also brings a glimmer of hope that there could be hundreds of other caves on Earth’s natural satellite that may serve as habitats for future exploring astronauts.
According to AP news agency, a group of Italian scientists announced on July 15 that there is evidence of a relatively large cave located in the Sea of Tranquility, approximately 400 km from the landing site of the Apollo spacecraft.
Craters discovered on the Moon are believed to be entrances to lava tubes. (Photo: NASA).
This cave is part of a deep pit similar to over 200 other craters discovered in the vicinity, formed by volcanic activity of lava tubes. According to scientists, radar data has indicated part of the cave’s entrance. They estimate it to be at least 40 meters wide and several tens of meters deep.
This is not the first time scientists have sought to explore lava tubes on the Moon. The scientific community believes that these lava tubes could provide a safe haven against harsh environments such as cosmic rays and solar radiation, as well as meteorite impacts, due to their underground locations.
In a study published in March 2015, American scientists presented the natural design inside a lava tube. Lava tubes are tunnels formed from the flow of lava during volcanic eruptions. The outer layer of the flowing lava cools and forms a tubular crust. According to Jay Melosh, a renowned professor of Earth, atmospheric, and planetary sciences at Purdue University (USA) – who participated in the study, when volcanic eruptions cease, the lava drains away, leaving behind hollow tubes.
Researchers believe these tubes can be as large as 5,000 meters, and due to the Moon’s significantly lower gravitational force compared to Earth, theoretically, these giant lava tubes – large enough to accommodate an entire city – could have a stable structure on the Moon.
However, constructing a shelter within these lava tubes requires a significant amount of time, money, and presents challenges, particularly in reinforcing the walls of the cave to prevent collapses.
By the end of 2023, a Chinese research team led by Zhang Chongfeng – one of the designers for the Shenzhou landing craft – announced they are exploring the possibility of establishing a long-term, safe, and stable habitat on the Moon within lava tubes. According to CGTN, the Chinese researchers have selected lava tubes in the regions of Mare Tranquillitatis and Mare Fecunditatis as their primary exploration targets. The probe will use a mobile robotic system to navigate complex terrains and carry auxiliary probes to assist with communication and power relay.
