The manned Artemis 3 mission is expected to launch in 2026 We will return to the moon. Our goal this time will be to take the first steps to settle on our satellite and establish a colony. Of course, many studies are being conducted for this purpose.

Now scientists have made a discovery that could be of great importance to our settlement on the moon. Researchers, A cave accessible from the moon’s surface for the first time they found out. The findings are published in Nature Astronomy.

It is thought that the discovered cave could be used to establish a lunar base, as this could reduce the impact on the environment.

Cave of the Moon Sea of ​​Silence It was discovered near the area also known as. This area is where Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped foot on the historic mission in 1969.

Experts discovered through NASA’s lunar rover that the Sea of ​​​​Silence pit, also called the deepest pit on the moon, leads to the cave. of the cave 45 meters wide and 80 meters long Among the information received: That is the size of 14 tennis courts. Distance to surface 150 meters Let’s say this is the case.

Because it is so close to the surface, the cave could be used in the future. Candidate number one to establish a moon base doing. In other words, astronauts will use this cave in the future Permanent settlement on the moon They can allow it. This can reduce the effects of problems such as radiation and dangerous weather conditions that can occur on the surface.

The cave was probably empty lava tube It is said that it is. Lava tube caves, which we also see all over the world, are ideal for establishing bases because the temperatures inside are relatively constant and they protect against harmful cosmic radiation and micrometeorites. It is also reported that there may be many more such caves in the pits of the moon. We will see in the coming years whether there will be places where astronauts can settle.