A 100-meter cave has been found on the moon that could be home to humans

Researchers Discover Enormous Cave on the Moon

A group of researchers has, for the first time, confirmed the existence of a massive cave on the Moon. With a depth of at least 100 meters, it could become an ideal location for establishing a permanent human base on Earth's satellite.

Lorenzo Bruzzone and Leonardo Carrer, scientists from the University of Trento in Italy, found the cave using radar, which explored an opening in the rocky plain of the Sea of Tranquility. This location, clearly visible from Earth, is also known as the landing site of Apollo 11 in 1969.

The cave features a "window" on the lunar surface, leading to vertical and overhanging walls, as well as a sloping floor that extends further below the surface. It was formed millions or billions of years ago when lava flowed on the Moon, creating a tunnel in the rock.

Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut, assessed the potential of the newly discovered cave: "This cave looks like an excellent location for a base. People could potentially live in lunar caves within the next 20-30 years." However, she added a warning: "This particular cave is so deep that astronauts may need to descend on ropes and use jetpacks or a lift to exit."

Francesco Sauro, coordinator of the "Planetary Caves" thematic group at the European Space Agency, emphasized the significance of the discovery, stating, "We have very high-quality surface images - with a resolution of up to 25 cm. We can see the Apollo landing sites, but we know nothing about what lies beneath the surface. There are huge possibilities for discoveries here."

Scientists note that the cave could not only serve as a home for humans but also help answer fundamental questions about the history of the Moon and our Solar System. The rocks inside the cave have not been affected by space weather, so they can provide a detailed geological chronicle spanning billions of years.

"In the end, life on Earth began in caves, so it is logical that people could live in them on the Moon," noted Professor Carrer.

The research findings have been published in the scientific journal Nature Astronomy.

Source: BBC