Unterirdische Mondhöhle groß genug, um als Mondbasis genutzt zu werden, sagen Wissenschaftler

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/15/underground-moon-cave-lunar-base-tunnel-protect-astronauts/

41 comments

  1. **From The Telegraph’s Science Correspondent, Joe Pinkstone:**

    Astronauts could set up lunar bases inside underground [Moon](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/moon/) caves, scientists believe.

    A tunnel has been spotted underneath the Sea of Tranquillity by [Nasa ](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/nasa/)satellites orbiting the Moon and analysis suggests it could be more than 250ft long.

    Radar images indicate the site, which is at the bottom of the Mare Tranquillitatis Pit, the deepest known crater on the Moon, show an opening about 150ft wide.

    Researchers said this is the first lunar tunnel to be discovered that could be accessible to humans and previous Moon caves did not feature any entry points.

    The “milestone discovery” comes as Nasa [prepares to send its first crewed mission to the Moon in more than 50 years ](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/moon-landing-anniversary-50-reasons-neil-armstrong-buzz-aldrin/)and experts are working on how to make it hospitable for long-term human habitation.

    Scientists have long suspected the Sea of Tranquillity chasm – along with 200 other pits on the Moon – may have tunnels lurking beneath.

    Dr Leonardo Carrer, an assistant professor at the University of Trento in Italy, said: “For the first time, we have located and accurately mapped a cave that is actually accessible from a pit on the lunar surface.

    “We were able to obtain the first 3D model of a part of the cave’s actual shape.”

    Lorenzo Bruzzone, a professor at the university, added: “These caves have been theorised for over 50 years, but it is the first time ever that we have demonstrated their existence.”

    # System of tunnels

    It is thought that there could be a system of tunnels under the lunar surface which were created by the collapse of ancient lava flows.

    Experts say underground caves could play a crucial role in establishing human settlements on the Moon as[ constructing lunar shelters](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/04/22/nasa-building-moon-bases-my-time-living-in-space-blueprint/) from scratch requires a lot more resources and effort than colonising lava tubes.

    Prof Carrer said: “Building a base on the surface of the Moon requires highly complex engineering solutions, which may be less effective than what is already provided by nature.”

    For the study, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, the researchers re-analysed radar data gathered by Nasa’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2009.

    The Sea of Tranquillity is the ancient lava plain where the Apollo 11 astronauts[ Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin first set foot on the moon in 1969.](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/what-to-read/poetry-moon-landing-story-behind-one-small-step-man/)

    The researchers said the cave may be either flat or inclined by around 45 degrees.

    Prof Carrer said: “The data that we have used for our discovery allows us to see only the initial part of the conduit.

    “We expect that it is longer than the portion that has been identified and modelled.”

    [The Moon is hostile to human life](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/03/28/how-humans-could-living-moon-2030/) and its surface is exposed to cosmic radiation that is up to 150 times more powerful than on Earth.

    The lunar surface is also vulnerable to frequent meteorite impacts and extreme temperatures, ranging from 127C (260F) to -173C (-280F).

    **Article Link:** [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/15/underground-moon-cave-lunar-base-tunnel-protect-astronauts/](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/15/underground-moon-cave-lunar-base-tunnel-protect-astronauts/)

  5. Better buy your place in the cave now before real estate prices start increasing on the Moon too… /s

  6. Any temperature differential could be useful for energy/work production.

  7. Right, time to start storing vast quantities of nuclear waste.

  16. This is the best tl;dr I could make, [original](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/07/15/underground-moon-cave-lunar-base-tunnel-protect-astronauts/) reduced by 87%. (I’m a bot)
    *****
    > Astronauts could set up lunar bases inside underground Moon caves, scientists believe.

    > Experts say underground caves could play a crucial role in establishing human settlements on the Moon as constructing lunar shelters from scratch requires a lot more resources and effort than colonising lava tubes.

    > Prof Carrer said: "Building a base on the surface of the Moon requires highly complex engineering solutions, which may be less effective than what is already provided by nature.”

    *****
    [**Extended Summary**](http://np.reddit.com/r/autotldr/comments/1e45ykw/underground_moon_cave_big_enough_to_become_lunar/) | [FAQ](http://np.reddit.com/r/autotldr/comments/31b9fm/faq_autotldr_bot/ “Version 2.02, ~690571 tl;drs so far.”) | [Blackout Vote](https://np.reddit.com/r/autotldr/comments/14dhaiq/your_voice_matters_should_the_blackout_continue/ “PM’s and comments are monitored, constructive feedback is welcome.”) | *Top* *keywords*: **Moon**^#1 **cave**^#2 **lunar**^#3 **first**^#4 **surface**^#5

  18. Thank you space nazis for leaving us this convenient base. /s

  19. Oh, I remember Heinlein’s bit about pressurizing a cave like that, strapping on some wings and go moon flying. Wow, I’d rate 5 stars + on Google Maps!

  20. Check with the aliens first, I hear that’s their driveway

  21. Nice to see space explored the same way I play Minecraft – find a cave and build a base in it 🙂

  23. That’s where the nano bots entered the hollow moon to stop the engine and crash the moon into the earth.

  24. I have so many questions but main one is how do you not die? And explain it like I’m 5

  26. Underground Moon Cave brought to you by the Dept of Redundancy Department. Isn’t a cave underground by definition? Where are all the above ground caves at?

  28. Oh no , haven’t they seen the plots of Moonraker and Austin Powers. This will become the lair of the most devious criminals we’ve ever seen.

  29. Finally. I’m sick of these Survivor shows on Earth, any idiot can survive on Earth. Give me Survivor: Moonbase.

  30. But that’s where either Bahamut or Zeromus is hiding. And you don’t want to get the wrong one.

  31. Will probably find fast food containers, beer bottles, syringes, and an old Playboy/Penthouse magazine.

  34. I really like the idea the used for the moon in Warhammer 40k. They dug a kilometers deep and wide trench that circles the moon at the equator. The material was used to build surface structures and an orbital ring, while the walls of the trench became the surface the built the colony into.

  37. Goddammit get me Ed Baldwin on the line pronto. Maybe leave Gordo at home though.

  38. Need to send an advance Guardian Fireteam to scout for Hive. Also, Moons Haunted!

  39. Do NOT go in there! Unless you want to wake up the hive….

  41. Destiny told me there are alien witches in there, I’ll pass

Leave a Reply