Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery on the moon, confirming the existence of a cave near the historic Apollo 11 landing site.

This finding, reported by an Italian-led team, could revolutionise future lunar exploration and habitation.

The cave, accessible from the deepest known pit on the moon, is located in the Sea of Tranquillity, just 400 kilometres from where Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first set foot on lunar soil 55 years ago.

Formed by the collapse of a lava tube, this cave is one of over 200 similar pits identified on the lunar surface.

Using radar measurements from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, researchers compared the data with Earth's lava tubes. Their findings, published in Nature Astronomy, reveal an underground cavity at least 40 meters wide and potentially tens of meters long.

Leonardo Carrer and Lorenzo Bruzzone of the University of Trento, who led the study, expressed excitement at finally proving the existence of lunar caves after decades of mystery.

The discovery suggests the presence of hundreds of pits and potentially thousands of lava tubes across the moon. These natural formations could serve as ideal shelters for future astronauts, offering protection from cosmic rays, solar radiation, and micrometeorite strikes. The caves may also prove more practical than building habitats from scratch, despite potential reinforcement needs.

Beyond their potential as habitats, these caves hold scientific value. The rocks and materials within, shielded from harsh surface conditions, could provide crucial insights into the moon's evolution and volcanic history.

As NASA plans future lunar missions, including landings at the south pole later this decade, this discovery opens new possibilities. The south pole region, with its permanently shadowed craters believed to contain frozen water, could also harbor similar cave structures.

This landmark finding not only advances our understanding of lunar geology but also paves the way for sustainable long-term human presence on the moon.

As space agencies continue to explore these natural formations, the dream of lunar bases housed in ancient lava tubes inches closer to reality.

Source: India Today