A Japanese satellite has photographed a large black hole on the moon. Similar holes, which are apparently deep tunnels of unknown purpose, were previously discovered on Mars
Scientists have found a depression on the lunar surface that appears to be the entrance to a tunnel located below the surface. The images of the hole were taken by a Japanese satellite that circled the moon for two years and completed its mission in June this year.
This discovery supports the theory that there are volcanic tunnels on the Moon, which in the future may serve as a refuge for human colonists. In the case of an expedition to the moon, the latter will be able to hide in tunnels from solar radiation; moreover, it is easier to maintain a constant temperature in the tunnel.
The presence of such tunnels was assumed by scientists earlier - in the images of the lunar surface, hilly formations were visible, under which, as experts believed, there are hollow tunnels. However, the entrance to such a tunnel was discovered for the first time, writes New Scientist.
"Holes" on Mars
The hole has a diameter of 65 m and goes about 80 m deep. Judging by the surface around, the hole can serve as an entrance to a tunnel up to 370 m long. Its origin is still unclear - it could have been formed as a result of a meteorite fall, or a moonquake, or other reasons. However, scientists suggest that inside the tunnel may have been blocked by pieces of frozen lava and unsuitable for the purposes of an earthly expedition.
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