Science News: Potential site for lunar base identified by Japan’s space agency

– G.A., Senior Editor

Concern regarding the long-term viability of Earth as a habitat for humans has prompted investigations into potential manned missions to the moon and Mars. While the idea of pioneering colonies of humans establishing new civilizations far from home on Earth has long remained the realm of science fiction, scientists on Earth have recently identified a potential location for such a colony on the moon.

In a paper published in Geophysical Research Letters, scientists from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) reported the discovery of a cave-like lava tube that could serve as a base for human exploration of the moon’s surface. Rather than build a shelter from scratch, using such existing caves on the moon could offer inexpensive protection from the dramatic temperature swings and intense radiation that astronauts will face when living on the moon.

The identification of this potential location for establishing a manned base on the moon is linked with Japan’s announced plan to send astronauts to the moon. Japan has sent astronauts to the International Space Station; however, attention has now turned to the goal of landing an astronaut on the moon by 2030.

Between 1969 and 1972, a total of 12 astronauts walked on the surface of the moon. However, with more than 40 years having passed since Eugene Cernan left the last human footprints on the lunar surface, many people have been left to wonder if humans will ever establish a home in another part of our solar system. However, these recent developments suggest that even if Earth becomes uninhabitable in the future, humanity may be able to survive elsewhere.

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