UCLA Study Finds Lunar Pits Hold Steady 17°C, Boosting Case for Underground Habitats
A UCLA-led study using NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data shows that permanently shaded areas within specific lunar pits maintain a stable temperature of approximately 17°C, contrasting sharply with the exposed surface’s extreme swings between 127°C and -173°C. This thermal stability, driven by the geometry of the pits and potential connections to ancient lava tubes, offers a natural buffer against radiation and micrometeorites. While this does not confirm a viable base, it identifies promising sites for future robotic inspection and potential underground habitation.