Researchers have discovered a cave on the moon that can be used as a permanent base for humans in the future.
Really exciting, says the researcher.
The cave is the first to be discovered on the moon and is believed to be over 100 meters deep.
It is located in the Sea of Tranquility, a flat area where the first moon expedition, Apollo 11, landed. According to the Italian research team, which made the discovery using radar, the cave is likely one of hundreds located in the moon's old lava plains.
Base on the moon
When the researchers realized how large the cave was, they understood that it could become a good place for a moon base. Several countries are competing to establish a permanent human presence on the moon.
Life on Earth started in caves, so it seems reasonable to think that humans can live in them on the moon, says Professor Leonardo Carrer at the University of Trento to the British BBC.
Building bases from scratch is more time-consuming and challenging. The caves could serve as natural protection for future astronauts who need to be protected from radiation, extreme temperatures, and meteorite impacts.
So far, very little is known about the cave's interior. Researchers hope to explore it further with the help of cameras and robots.
It's really exciting. When you make such discoveries, you realize that you are the first person in human history to see it, says Carrer.
Jettison engine to get up
The cave was created millions or billions of years ago when lava flowed on the moon and created tunnels through the rock.
It has been known for nearly 50 years that there are caves on the moon. Since 2010, a camera has taken pictures of holes that are believed to be cave entrances.
British astronaut Helen Sharman tells the BBC that astronauts could live in "moon holes" for 20 to 30 years during space expeditions. But she adds that they will likely need to descend and use jet engines or lifts to get up, since the caves are so deep.
