This mysterious hole on the Moon may open into a giant cave
NASA has funded the GIMLI project to investigate a potential lunar cave within the Marius Hill Pit. The mission aims to determine if these underground structures could provide natural shelter for future astronauts against radiation and extreme temperatures.
Why it matters
Identifying habitable or protective structures on the Moon is a vital step for long-term human lunar exploration and colonization.
NASA has chosen a proposal led by the Planetary Science Institute to determine whether a potentially large cave stretches underground from the opening of a pit on the Moon. If such a cavern exists, it could eventually offer astronauts natural protection from radiation and the dramatic temperature changes experienced on the lunar surface.
The project will receive funding through NASA's Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon (PRISM) program. PRISM sends scientific instruments to the lunar surface aboard spacecraft supplied by providers participating in the Commercial Lunar Payloads Services (CLPS) initiative.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in