Moon's Permanently Shaded Pits Offer Stable 17°C Haven, Hinting at Underground Habitats

A UCLA-led study using NASA's LRO Diviner data shows that permanently shadowed sections of certain lunar pits can maintain a near-constant ~17°C, while the surrounding surface ranges from 127°C in daylight to −173°C in darkness. This stability arises from pit geometry and radiative exchange, suggesting caves could offer a natural thermal buffer for future habitats. However, this is a modeling result, not a confirmed underground base, and practical settlement would require robotic scouting, reliable access, power, life support, and radiation protection.