July 16, 2024
After all, life on Earth began in caves, so it makes sense that humans could live inside them on the Moon.
Professor at the University of Trento in Italy Leonardo Carrer, describing the significance of his recent discovery of a cave on the moon.
Why It Matters: Researchers in Italy discovered the first moon cave known to humans, sparking conversations about what could be a habitable location for people in space. The cave, visible to the naked eye and near where astronauts with the Apollo 11 mission first landed 55 years ago this week, was recommended by researchers as a lunar base. While this specific cave will continue to be explored, the research could also help experts locate and gain more understanding of habitable spaces (like caves) on Mars.
Something To Consider: BBC News detailed a conversation with Helen Sharman, the first British astronaut to travel to space: “the newly-discovered cave looked like a good place for a base, and suggested humans could potentially be living in lunar pits in 20-30 years. But, she said, this cave is so deep that astronauts might need to abseil in and use ‘jet packs or a lift’ to get out.”
Read More: Cave discovered on Moon could be home for humans (BBC)
Photo Credit: NASA
by Emily Hooker, based in Texas
