Afət Ziyadqızı
Large pits on the Moon’s surface may open into underground caves and lava tubes formed by past volcanic activity. An international team of scientists will focus its research on a deep pit in the Marius Hills, discovered in 2009 by Japan’s Kaguya spacecraft.
The Operative Information Center-OMM reports that researchers are seeking to determine whether the pit connects to vast underground channels left by ancient lava flows.
A comprehensive study of the underground caves could yield important scientific insights into the Moon’s geological evolution and volcanic past.
The lava tubes could also serve as natural shelters for astronauts on future crewed missions to the Moon. Extreme temperature swings, intense space radiation and micrometeorite impacts pose serious risks to human life on the lunar surface. Natural underground cavities could help protect crews without requiring additional artificial shelters to be built.
The GIMLI project, led by the Planetary Science Institute, is being developed in close cooperation with Honeybee Robotics and the Norwegian Space Agency. The specialized scientific equipment is expected to be delivered to the Moon through NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
As part of the project, ground-penetrating radar, seismic sensors and gravimeters will be used to create a three-dimensional map of the Moon’s subsurface. The data will help determine whether the underground tunnels are suitable for long-term space bases and astronaut habitation.
