There's a really weird-looking hole on the moon and no one knows why
Scientists are investigating a mysterious, massive hole in the Marius Hills region of the moon that could potentially serve as a shelter for future astronaut bases. Researchers believe the pit may be a 'skylight' into an ancient lava tube, similar to volcanic formations found on Earth.
Why it matters
Understanding lunar geology is critical for future space exploration and the establishment of long-term human habitats on the moon.
Aliens? Maybe (Picture: Getty/Metro)
The moon is a lumpy rock covered in countless craters, hills, ridges, cracks and rubble. Holes, not so much.
That’s why the rugged Marius Hills, by the moon’s equator on the near side, or the half facing Earth, has transfixed scientists.
Why on earth (or moon, rather) is there a massive hole in it?
Nasa recently selected a mission to send a rover to our lunar companion and finally see what lurks inside the Marius Hills pit.
Space officials picked a proposal by the Planetary Science Institute, a US-based non-profit, that says it could become shelter for an astronaut base.
So… what is this big old hole?
Three images of the Marius Hills pit on the moon (Picture: Nasa/GSFC/Arizona State University)
The Marius Hills pit is up to 150 feet deep and 300 feet across, or roughly as wide as a football pitch.
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