The future missions to the Moon outline the prerogatives to research the survival of the species in a world devoid of air. Scientists have discovered thermally stable lunar pits in certain locations on the Moon that could one day function as shelters.
The average temperature of these pits is said to be around 17 degrees Celsius which has made these sites eligible for lunar explorations juxtaposed to the other portions of the Moon’s surface where the temperatures dance from 127 degrees Celsius in the day to minus 173 degrees Celsius during the night.
The thermally stable lunar pits identified by scientists can be used as a base not only to shelter the astronauts but also for extensive research. Scientists have been collecting data on these lunar pits from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) found in 2009. This device is believed to increase the chances of lunar research at the expense of discovered pits.
The lunar collapse pits may provide access to subsurface lava tubes to an unknown extent as suggested by a study published in the Geophysical Research Letters. In the paper, researchers proposed, that “lunar caves would provide a temperate, stable, and safe thermal environment for long-term exploration and habitation of the Moon.”
Noah Petro, a scientist assigned to the LRO Project stated, “lunar pits are a fascinating feature on the lunar surface. Knowing that they create a stable thermal environment helps us paint a picture of these unique lunar features and the prospect of one day exploring them.”
The pits, as examined, are made by the ceiling of a lava tube collapsing. The scientists are now familiar with the environment of a lunar pit located in Mare Tranquillitatis. The research paper states, “the pit’s thermal environment is more hospitable compared to anywhere else on the Moon, with temperatures varying minimally around a comfortable 17 degrees Celsius whenever the Sun does not shine directly.”
The team of scientists, with the help of a computer, focused 100-meter deep into the lunar pit. This aided the scientists lay out a model of the pit. In addition, the scientists were also able to study the thermal properties of the rock and the lunar dust along with determining the pit’s temperature. The images taken by LRO’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera indicated that if the pit extends from the bottom, the cave would prove to be more comfortable in terms of the pit’s temperature.
Researchers believe that when our species make a return to the Moon in the coming decade, they would live in the ways just as our ancient humans did before evolution.
Scientists further discovering this field of research have predicted that these caves may act as a saviour for the human species on the Moon, with one day equal to 15 Earth days. Scientists are also aware that the Moon’s surface is lit up by sunlight and later, severely cold nights lasting 15 Earth days as well.
