REAL LIFE NEWS: GIANT CAVE ON THE MOON COULD BE TURNED INTO MOONBASE
by Hazed
Japanese scientists have discovered a massive lunar cave measuring 500km long and 100 metres wide, which could be used as a base for astronauts on missions to the moon.
The cave was found by Japan’s Selenological and Engineering Explorer (Selene) probe. The orbiter used a radar sounder system to examine underground structures, and initially it found an opening 50 metres wide and 50 metres deep. This lead to speculation that there could be a larger hollow beneath the surface.
Nw scientists at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (Jaxa) have confirmed that that there is a giant cave there, which they found by examining the hole using radio waves. They have nicknamed the cave Kaguya after the moon princess in a Japanese fairytale.
The cave is thought to be a lava tube, created during volcanic activity around 3.5 billion years ago.
The cave looks structurally sound which means it would be ideal as a base for the astronauts and their equipment. What’s more, its rocks may contain ice or water deposits which could be turned into fuel.
This is all good news for future planners of the first moon colony.
