{
  "id": 12730013,
  "title": "An Odd Hole on the Moon's Surface May Lead to an Underground Cave That Could Shelter Future Astronauts",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/07/an-odd-hole-on-the-moons-surface-may-lead-to-an-underground-cave-that",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-07T22:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Discover Magazine",
    "slug": "discover-magazine",
    "url": "https://www.discovermagazine.com/an-odd-hole-on-the-moon-s-surface-may-lead-to-an-underground-cave-that-could-shelter-future-astronauts-49785"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a recent development, scientists are intrigued by a large hole on the lunar surface that may lead to an underground cave, potentially offering shelter to future astronauts on the Moon. This connection between lunar pits and caves stems from ancient volcanic eruptions, which could offer protection from radiation, temperature fluctuations, and meteorite impacts.\n\nNASA's upcoming GIMLI (Geophysical Instruments for Marius Lunar Pit Investigation) payload, set to explore the Marius Hills pit, aims to uncover if this large hole is connected to a subterranean cave. If successful, this site could serve as a prime candidate for a lunar base, providing researchers with insights into the moon's volcanic past.\n\nGareth Morgan, a scientist at the Planetary Science Institute and Deputy Principal Investigator on the GIMLI program, explained that confirming the existence of a cave and its scale would advance our understanding of lunar volcanism and how lava shaped the Moon's surface. The GIMLI payload, led by the Planetary Science Institute, will employ ground-penetrating radar, seismic sensors, a gravimeter, and cameras to investigate the Marius Hill pit directly from the lunar surface.\n\nFirst observed by Japan's SELENE lunar orbiter in 2009, the Marius Hills pit is approximately 111 feet deep and 213 by 295 feet wide. Researchers selected this particular pit for exploration due to its pristine condition, clear overhangs indicating a larger cavity beneath the pit, and the diversity of volcanic landforms in the region.\n\nEarlier this year, data from SELENE revealed two additional pits in the Mare Tranquillitatis and Mare Ingenii regions, leading to the discovery of over 300 lunar pits, or \"skylights,\" on the Moon. These potential caves may provide ideal locations for future lunar bases, offering protection from extreme temperatures and potentially serving as storage sites for water. As scientists continue to explore these intriguing lunar features, they inch closer to establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon.",
  "summary": "Learn about a NASA payload that will explore a pit on the Moon to find an underground cave that could shelter astronauts during future missions.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}