Tampa scientists urge NASA to examine moon caves for possible aquatic and organisms

The case for exploring caves on the moon

Lloyd Sowers reports

TAMPA, Florida. – Bogdan Onac, a professor of geology at the University of South Florida, has explored caves and lava tubes around the world. He believes that what is inside our earth could contain clues to life beyond.

“I don’t think we’re alone in this vast universe,” he offered.

Onac believes dark openings seen on the moon should be explored. These openings are caves. On earth, caves can contain ice, which means there could be water on the moon.

“In this ice we know from Earth that there are organisms that can stay frozen for hundreds of years,” Onac continued. “Life on other planets would either be in sediments or in water or ice.”

Onac was one of dozens of scientists from 27 different institutions who signed a letter to Nature Astronomy calling on NASA and private companies to develop robotic explorers that could go beneath the surface of planets to find ice explore that could be centuries old in caves and lava tubes.

“It could be kept in places that are shielded from radiation,” he said.

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Onac says caves on the Moon and Mars could become outposts with endless water supplies.

“Ten years ago, 20 years ago it was really science fiction,” added Onac. “I’m holding my breath and I think it’s possible.”

In the future, exploring what lies underground could become a key to what lies behind it.

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