Science & technology | Pied-à-lune

Astronomers have found a cave on the moon

Such structures could serve as habitats for future astronauts

Mare Tranquillitatis pit crater.
Home sweet holePhotograph: Alamy

FROM AN ESTATE agent’s perspective, the lunar surface has little to recommend it. Its none-too-metaphorical lack of atmosphere means it is bombarded by meteorites, cosmic radiation is unrelentingly harsh and temperatures range from lows of -246°C to highs of 121°C. Subsurface lunar caves, on the other hand, with stable temperatures and cover from projectiles, would be much more enticing habitats. The only question is, do any exist?

This article appeared in the Science & technology section of the print edition under the headline “One giant leap for troglodytes”

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