While scientists are researching how to sustain life on the Moon, a new underground cave has been identified. It is believed that living spaces for humans might not be on the lunar surface but underground. An international team of scientists analyzing a large pit in Mare Tranquillitatis suggests that the pit is likely the entrance to a cave.

The Discovered Pit on the Moon Could Be Perfect for a Lunar Base

It is thought that the discovered pit could be an excellent option for hosting a future lunar base. Additionally, they believe that this cave may not be a unique structure. If this pit forms the entrance to a cave, it is possible that there are hundreds of similar pits on the Moon.

Scientists have known about the pits scattered around the Moon for decades. However, surface missions almost completely ceased after NASA’s Apollo program ended. The data obtained indicates that these surface openings may result from collapsing lava tubes. It has also been suggested that they could become gateways to underground tunnel networks.

A team of researchers took a closer look at the data, hoping to confirm the existence of caves associated with the pits. The team focused on the Mare Tranquillitatis pit, which is known to be the deepest pit with a floor about 150 meters below the surface.

The data in question was obtained using the spacecraft’s Miniature Radio Frequency (Mini-RF) device in 2010. The team reanalyzed this data with new signal processing techniques to make the discovery. This analysis revealed a cave 147 feet (45 meters) wide and 262 feet (80 meters) long.

It is unclear whether the cave connects to more empty lava tubes, but the data indicates that something is down there. Lorenzo Bruzzone from the University of Trento explained, “These caves have been theorized for over 50 years, but we have proven their existence for the first time.”

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