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Lunar Pits

All articles tagged with #lunar pits

space8 days ago•10 min saved

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.

via Space Daily|

#lro-diviner #lunar-pits #moon

science1 year ago•3 min saved

AI Reveals Hidden Moon Entrances

A recent study demonstrates how AI and machine learning, particularly the deep learning model ESSA, can efficiently identify lunar pits and skylights, which are potential entrances to subsurface lava caves, aiding future robotic and human exploration of the Moon. Despite only analyzing a small portion of the lunar surface, the model successfully discovered new features, highlighting AI's potential in planetary exploration and resource identification. This approach could be extended to other planetary bodies, enhancing our understanding of their geology and potential habitability.

via Universe Today|

#ai #lunar-pits #machine-learning