Discovery of Lunar Caves Opens New Frontier for Moon Exploration

Scientists have discovered a sizable cave on the moon, near the Apollo 11 landing site. This cave, formed by a collapsed lava tube, could serve as a shelter for future astronauts. Their findings suggest hundreds more such caves exist, which could simplify future lunar habitats.

Scientists have confirmed the presence of a sizable cave on the moon, not far from the historic Apollo 11 landing site, potentially revolutionizing future lunar exploration.

An Italian-led research team announced Monday that radar data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter indicates a significant underground cavity at the Sea of Tranquility, near where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history 55 years ago.

These findings, published in Nature Astronomy, suggest that the cave, formed by the collapse of a lava tube, could provide natural shelter for astronauts, shielding them from cosmic rays, solar radiation, and micro-meteorites. Such discoveries are crucial for NASA's planned lunar missions later this decade.

(With inputs from agencies.)