Scientists discover mysterious hole on Mars: is it a gateway to life-saving caves?

A new hole on Mars could be the key to future human bases: the particular formation could offer protection from the planet's extreme conditions

Scientists have stumbled upon a mysterious void on the surface of Mars, its contents shrouded in uncertainty. This cavity, nestled within the region of Arsia Mons, one of Mars’ vast volcanic calderas, could potentially be a window leading to an extensive network of lava tubes—natural caves formed by the flow of molten rock. On Earth, these formations provide refuge for various life forms, and on Mars, they might offer human explorers essential protection against the planet’s harsh environment.

A potential natural refuge

The discovery of this Martian cavity sparks new possibilities for the colonization of the Red Planet. Yet, the mystery remains: where does this Martian hole lead? Mars’ environment poses numerous hazards for any astronaut daring enough to set foot on the planet. With an atmospheric pressure only 0.7% of Earth’s at sea level, humans would need to don a full pressure suit or inhabit specialized chambers. Without these precautions, oxygen wouldn’t circulate in the blood, with potentially fatal consequences.

Radiation looms as a primary concern. Despite Mars being farther from the Sun than Earth, the absence of a magnetic field and its thin atmosphere expose it to significantly higher radiation levels. The Mars Odyssey probe revealed that radiation levels on Mars are at least 2.5 times higher than those faced by astronauts aboard the International Space Station. In addition to regular exposure to cosmic rays and solar wind, Mars experiences occasional bursts of lethal radiation due to solar storms.

Any attempt to colonize Mars will require measures to minimize radiation exposure. Some proposed ideas include habitats built directly into the terrain or inflatable modules coated with ceramics. However, a promising alternative lies within Mars’ natural landscape. The planet is dotted with deep pits, caves, and lava tube structures that could serve as shields against radiation.

Lessons from the Moon

The big question now is: does this hole on Mars lead to a larger underground cavern? We don’t yet have a definitive answer. But over time, scientists may study and understand Martian holes as they have lunar ones. We comprehend lunar tubes and caves better than Martian ones. Some lunar tubes are thermally stable with floors covered in boulders. There are even plans for robots to explore these lunar caves, potentially housing astronauts in inflatable habitats.

With weaker gravity, Mars should support even larger lava tubes, offering an exceedingly valuable shelter on a very inhospitable planet. However, unlike the Moon, conclusive evidence of their existence on Mars is lacking. This intriguing hole on Arsia Mons is part of ongoing research into Martian lava tubes. Future robotic missions designed to explore these potential subterranean worlds will be crucial in uncovering the secrets they hold.

Source: Universe Today