Moon caves fuelling new space race - 5th August 2024

More than 50 years after Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon, another giant leap forward for space exploration could be achieved thanks to researchers identifying a cave beneath the lunar surface.

While the mouth of the cave was captured in data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter back in 2010, planetary scientists from Italy's Trento University recently reanalysed its radar data using computer simulations that they were able to determine that a cave system lay beneath it.

Found in the Mare Tranquillitatis or Sea of Tranquillity, close to the landmark Apollo 11 touchdown site, the opening or pit measures approximately 100 metres wide and stretches down between 130 and 170 metres. The existence of such a lunar feature holds great potential since it could provide shelter for humans. The inhospitable lunar surface sees temperatures fluctuate between 121 degrees celsius in sunlight and minus 133 degrees at night while the lack of atmospheric shielding around the moon means that small asteroids frequently crash into its surface.

Further studies revealed one cave beneath the pit in the Sea of Tranquillity to run for around 30 to 80 metres with a width of 45 metres, affording plenty of space to erect numerous lunar houses. The ability for humans to remain on the moon for extended periods of time could facilitate further exploration, not only of the moon but also the universe beyond.

Lunar caves are likely to be the remnants of lava tubes formed millions of years ago when the moon was volcanically active. Although this is the first confirmed cave system, it's hoped that further systems will be identified closer to the lunar poles. Both areas are permanently in shade and the presence of ice, which could be melted for water, would make them perfect locations for human habitation.

Having both now successfully completed missions to the lunar surface, China and India have staked claims to the moon, competing with the US, Russia and Japan. Nevertheless, the emergence of so many commercial entities also heading into space could fuel a scramble for the moon as further caves are discovered.