 | |
| Coordinates | 8°20′08″N 33°13′19″E / 8.3355°N 33.222°E |
|---|---|
| Diameter | Funnel: 140–146 meters Inner pit: 88–100 meters |
| Depth | ~105 meters |
The Mare Tranquillitatis pit is the name given to an elliptical opening on the Moon's surface in the Mare Tranquillitatis, situated roughly 400 kilometers (250 miles) away from the landing site of Apollo 11.[1] The pit was created by a lava tube, and is currently the deepest known lunar pit with a radius of at least 100 meters (328 feet). The lunar feature is notable for being the first lunar cave proven to exist beyond theoretical frameworks,[1][2][3] and of being direct evidence of the existence of natural lunar shelter that could potentially be used as a lunar base.[4]
- ^ a b Carrer, Leonardo; et al. (15 July 2024). "Radar evidence of an accessible cave conduit on the Moon below the Mare Tranquillitatis pit". Nature Astronomy. 8 (9): 1119–1126. Bibcode:2024NatAs...8.1119C. doi:10.1038/s41550-024-02302-y. ISSN 2397-3366.
- ^ Rannard, Georgina (15 July 2024). "Moon cave discovered that could one day house humans". BBC. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
- ^ Phiddian, Ellen (16 July 2024). "Cave entrance discovered on the Moon could be a lunar base". Cosmos Magazine. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
- ^ Nurse, Krystal (16 July 2024). "Moon caves? New discovery offers possible shelter for future explorers". USA Today. Retrieved 16 July 2024.