Researchers discover entrance to massive ancient lava tube beneath the Moon's surface

Scientists confirmed that a crater in the Moon's Sea of Tranquility is actually the entrance to an underground cave system, likely an ancient lava tube formed during the Moon's volcanically active period. Current exploration has mapped only tens of meters into the cavern, but computer modeling suggests the Moon's lower gravity could have allowed these tubes to expand to enormous scales—potentially spanning kilometers. The discovery has major implications for future lunar exploration and possible human habitation, as natural caverns could provide protection from radiation and extreme temperature fluctuations.