Scientists discover cave on the moon that could shelter humans

Scientists have confirmed the discovery of a sizable cave on the moon, located near where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed 55 years ago. This cave, accessible from the deepest known pit on the moon, is situated at the Sea of Tranquility, approximately 250 miles from the Apollo 11 landing site.

An Italian-led team reported the finding on Monday, July 15, using radar measurements from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter compared with lava tubes on Earth. The researchers estimate the cave to be at least 130 feet wide and tens of yards long. The cave is part of a pit created by the collapse of a lava tube, similar to more than 200 others discovered on the moon.

There is an accessible cave conduit under the lunar surface. Carrer et al.: https://t.co/HnW6g5AjDs pic.twitter.com/bOAi9htsGg

— Nature Astronomy (@NatureAstronomy) July 15, 2024

The findings, published in “Nature Astronomy,” suggest these caves could serve as natural shelters for astronauts, providing protection from cosmic rays, solar radiation and micrometeorite strikes. This could be more efficient than building habitats from scratch, despite the potential need to reinforce cave walls.

Researchers noted that most pits are in the moon’s ancient lava plains, with some potentially at the south pole — NASA’s planned location for future astronaut landings. Permanently shadowed craters at the south pole might contain frozen water, useful for drinking and rocket fuel.

The unaltered material inside these caves offers valuable insights into the moon’s volcanic activity and evolution. As lunar exploration continues, these natural formations could play a crucial role in supporting long-term human presence on the moon.

During NASA’s Apollo program, 12 astronauts landed on the moon, beginning with Armstrong and Aldrin on July 20, 1969.