Japanese space agency JAXA have proposed a possible solution for human settlement on the Moon by developing naturally-occurring hollow lava tubes on the lunar surface as makeshift shelters.
After some intense searching, a possible location was spotted on an area of the Moon known as Marius Hills. The research was published in Geophysical Research Letters.
Lava tubes form when the outer part of a flowing stream of lava cools into a hard, rocky layer. In the event that the lava flow is cut off the lava can drain from the tube, leaving a cylindrical rock formation behind.
Read also: Norwegian investigators say kids’ smartwatches vulnerable to hackers
While that might not sound like a very suitable location for a base, it’s important to realize that these tubes can be absolutely massive in size, measuring hundreds of meters wide and stretching for a mile or more.
With a thick shell covering it, a human settlement on the Moon could avoid the bulk of radiation bombarding the surface while being shielded from minor impacts from small meteorites.
A covered location could also provide more stable temperatures rather than the dramatic spikes and dips experienced on the surface.
RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears
Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.
Ripples Nigeria
www.ripplesnigeria.com
Latest posts by Ripples Nigeria (see all)
- I didn’t teach Obaseki, Shaibu how to lose elections —Oshiomhole - December 15, 2019
- CAN tackles CJN, wants him removed over comment on Sharia law - December 15, 2019
- Kamaru Usman successfully defends UFC Welterweight title - December 15, 2019