Space and astronomy news
Craters are a familiar sight on the lunar surface and indeed on many of the rocky planets in the Solar System. There are other circular features that are picked up on images from orbiters but these pits are thought to be the collapsed roofs of lava tubes. A team of researchers have mapped one of these tubes using radar reflection and created the first 3D map of the tube’s entrance.
The lava tubes have been the subject of analysis by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter which began its journey in 2009. It’s purpose was to gather information about the Moon’s surface and environment and to that end has a plethora of scientific equipment. LRO has been mapping the lunar surface using high resolution imagery capturing temperature, radiation levels and water ice deposits. All with a view to identifying potential landing sites for future missions.
Buzz Aldrin Gazes at Tranquility Base during the Apollo 11 moonwalk in an image taken by Neil Armstrong. Credit: NASA
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Deep pit on moon may be entrance to cave that could act as lunar baseWe may have finally found an entry point to the caves hidden beneath the moon’s surface, which could shield future astronauts from dangerous radiation
Read more »
'Power rivalry in space': China lunar mission fuels US misinformationA historic lunar mission has demonstrated China's growing scientific prowess, but the feat has set off a torrent of misinformation targeting the United States that researchers say reflects their bitter competition in space.
Read more »
Gateway: The Lunar Space StationA NASA astronaut and a Gateway manager discuss how the future lunar space station will be used for science, deep space exploration, and more. HWHAP Episode 344.
Read more »
Gateway: The first lunar space stationAn interplay of light and shadows cast the docking ports for Gateway, humanity's first space station around the moon, into sharp relief.
Read more »
South Korean scientists cook moon bricks with microwave for durabilityLunar regolith 'space bricks' could help NASA and others build permanent human bases on the Moon.
Read more »
Hear the real stories behind the private space race in new documentary 'Wild Wild Space' (video)Jeff Spry is an award-winning screenwriter and veteran freelance journalist covering TV, movies, video games, books, and comics. His work has appeared at SYFY Wire, Inverse, Collider, Bleeding Cool and elsewhere.
Read more »