An Italian-led team of scientists have confirmed that a cave exists on the moon located at the 'Sea of Tranquility'.
According to a report by News18, the scientists have reported that there is an evident cave at a distance of approximately 250 miles from Apollo 11's landing and from the spot where Neil Armstrong had landed about 55 years ago.
The pit is said to be accessible through the deepest pit known until now on the moon, which was caused due to the collapse of a lava tube.
Analysing radar measurements through NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, scientists along with researchers have compared the results of the cave's dimensions with the lava tubes on Earth.
According to scientists, only the initial area of the cavity can be checked, who have also estimated that the radar data has revealed that its dimensions are at least 130 feet wide, and its lengths are about tens of yards or maybe more.
"Lunar caves have remained a mystery for over 50 years. So, it was exciting to be able to finally prove the existence of one," the publication quoted Leonardo Carrer and Lorenzo Bruzzone of the University of Trento as saying.
According to the scientists, there is not just one pit, but lots of others as well, located in the moon's ancient lava plains.
They also say that some pits might also be at the south pole of the moon.
The scientists believe that these places could be considered as a natural shelter for astronauts. Such caves or pits may protect the astronauts from cosmic rays, solar radiations and micrometeorite strikes.
Building habitats from scratch on the surface of moon would be time-consuming, challenging and expensive and moreover, discovery of any materials inside these would certainly help the scientists and astronauts in understanding how the moon has been evolving.
Published 16 July 2024, 10:24 IST