Jul 31, 2023 03:20 AM
https://www.astronomy.com/space-explorat...onization/
INTRO: In the realm of space exploration and potential colonization, the concept of utilizing caves – particularly lava tubes – as habitats has garnered both fascination and skepticism.
Proponents argue that caves could provide natural shelters on extraterrestrial bodies like the Moon and Mars. Critics raise concerns about their stability and practicality. Either way, lava tubes have always been an intriguing feature for space exploration enthusiasts.
In addition to their potential as habitats for future human colonization, lava tubes can be studied to provide insights into the geological history of their celestial body. These features form when molten rock flows from the ground. As the lava cools and solidifies on the surface, it creates a protective layer, preventing heat from escaping and wind from cooling it. Eventually, the lava drains out, leaving behind a smooth and steep-walled cave.
These lava tubes can stretch for miles. The longest known lava tube on Earth is the 40-mile-long (65 kilometers) Kazumura Cave on the Big Island of Hawaii. However, lava tubes on the Moon and Mars may be even longer. Most of these features likely date from 3 billion to 4 billion years ago, when both bodies had frequent volcanic activity. Images snapped by orbiting probes show openings into underground voids, often called skylights, which most likely formed when the roofs of lava tubes collapsed.
The potential of the tubes as living quarters is appealing for many reasons, such as the protection they would provide from radiation. The underground environment would also be buffered from temperature swings, making it more stable and hospitable than the surface environment. Additionally, the rock roof of the Moon and Mars’ lava tubes would be a natural shield against micrometeorites that could otherwise puncture spacesuits and buildings... (MORE - details)
INTRO: In the realm of space exploration and potential colonization, the concept of utilizing caves – particularly lava tubes – as habitats has garnered both fascination and skepticism.
Proponents argue that caves could provide natural shelters on extraterrestrial bodies like the Moon and Mars. Critics raise concerns about their stability and practicality. Either way, lava tubes have always been an intriguing feature for space exploration enthusiasts.
In addition to their potential as habitats for future human colonization, lava tubes can be studied to provide insights into the geological history of their celestial body. These features form when molten rock flows from the ground. As the lava cools and solidifies on the surface, it creates a protective layer, preventing heat from escaping and wind from cooling it. Eventually, the lava drains out, leaving behind a smooth and steep-walled cave.
These lava tubes can stretch for miles. The longest known lava tube on Earth is the 40-mile-long (65 kilometers) Kazumura Cave on the Big Island of Hawaii. However, lava tubes on the Moon and Mars may be even longer. Most of these features likely date from 3 billion to 4 billion years ago, when both bodies had frequent volcanic activity. Images snapped by orbiting probes show openings into underground voids, often called skylights, which most likely formed when the roofs of lava tubes collapsed.
The potential of the tubes as living quarters is appealing for many reasons, such as the protection they would provide from radiation. The underground environment would also be buffered from temperature swings, making it more stable and hospitable than the surface environment. Additionally, the rock roof of the Moon and Mars’ lava tubes would be a natural shield against micrometeorites that could otherwise puncture spacesuits and buildings... (MORE - details)