Scientists explain benefits of moon caves to astronauts

A group of scientists has revealed how lunar caves – underground tunnels formed by ancient volcanic activity and connected to the moon’s numerous pits – could be beneficial to astronauts.

This comes after a team of international researchers discovered the first direct evidence of a cave on the moon, located beneath a lunar pit in the Sea of Tranquility.

Findings by the researchers revealed that this cave could provide crucial shelter for future astronauts traveling to Earth’s closest celestial neighbor, Mars.

The newly discovered cave is at least 45 meters (nearly 148 feet) wide and ranges in length from 30 to 80 meters (98 to 262 feet).

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Researchers believe it may be the first section of a larger lava tube complex, indicating the possibility of larger caves beneath the moon’s surface.

The study’s co-author, Lorenzo Bruzzone, explained that lunar caves provide a unique environment that preserves the moon’s history and volcanic processes.

“Studying the rocks within these caves could reveal important information about the moon’s geological evolution, including the duration and timeline of volcanic activity and the composition of the lunar mantle,” he stated.

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