Posted in December 2009

Images show possible lava tube 'skylight' on the Moon

Posted on 16 December, 2009

Images taken by JAXA's Kaguya spacecraft show a possible lunar lava tube skylight in the Marius Hills, a volcanic area on the Moon's near side.

High-resolution photographs of a deep hole in the lunar surface may indicate the presence of vast underground tunnels on the Moon, according to recent findings by researchers from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Analysis of multiple images captured by cameras aboard JAXA's Kaguya (a.k.a. SELENE) spacecraft earlier this year indicates the hole measures about 65 meters wide and between 80 and 88 meters deep. Because the hole is located in the middle of a rille (a long depression carved into the lunar surface by the flow of lava) the researchers suggest it may be a "skylight" connected to a hollow underground lava tube measuring several hundred meters across.

Scientists have long speculated about the existence of lava tubes on the Moon. Like those found on Earth, the Moon's hypothetical lava tubes are believed to have been created when the upper layer of a lava stream cooled and solidified, while the lava underneath drained away, leaving behind a hollow tunnel of rock. The presence of collapsed rilles on the lunar surface suggest the existence of lava tubes, but until now, no skylights that open into an intact tunnel have been discovered.

In addition to improving our understanding of the geology of the moon, the discovery of lava tubes could also benefit future human explorers. A large, well-formed lava tube could serve as an ideal location for a Moon base by protecting astronauts from space radiation, meteor impacts and extreme temperature fluctuations.

The Kaguya team is still sifting through images of other areas in search of additional skylights.

Links:
- mages & 3-D Movie around Marius Hill by TC & MI [JAXA]

- Found: first 'skylight' on the moon [New Scientist]

- Kaguya Discovers a Lava Tube on the Moon [Universe Today]