Scientists at the Indian Space Research Organization say they have identified a giant underground cave on the moon, which could be the perfect location for a future lunar base station.
In tests using the moon vehicle Chandrayaan-1, researchers discovered the one-mile long, 74 mile wide cave near the moon’s equator.
The latest issue of Current Science describes the cave as “a safe environment from hazardous radiations, micro-meteoritic impacts, extreme temperatures and dust storms.”
It also notes that the subterranean caverns – or “lava tubes” – form a perfect refuge that requires minimal construction to inhabit.
“Lava tubes provide a natural environmental control with a nearly constant temperature of minus 20 degrees Celsius, unlike that of the lunar surface showing extreme variation, maximum of 130 degrees Celsius to a minimum of minus 180 degrees Celsius in its diurnal (day-night) cycle.”
All aboard the Moonlight Express!
(Via Silicon India)
