Mapping Underground Caves/Tunnels on the Moon/Mars

  • Thread starter sanman
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Mapping
In Summary, an interesting article was written on the discovery of a 'skylight' on the moon. It discusses how this might be a possible way to map out underground cavities without having to look for openings, and how hyperlensing might be useful for planetary exploration and underground mapping. The first explorations should be done by ground-penetrating sonar.
  • #1
sanman
745
24
Here's an interesting article on the first 'skylight' - opening to a possible underground lava tube or cavern - discovered on the Moon:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18030-found-first-skylight-on-the-moon.html

I'm wondering how it might be possible to map out underground caverns and lava tubes on the Moon, without having to look for openings. Shouldn't there be a way to use cavern-sensing radar, or something like that, to spot underground cavities from an orbiting satellite or from a surface rover?

What's the most accurate way to map such underground cavities, without having to rely on chance discovery of openings? What's the best sensory/instrumentation for this purpose?

My understanding is that to scan through rock, you need to use very low frequency radio waves at high power, but their long wavelengths would limit the resolution of the features being scanned for.

Here's a recent article I read about hyperlensing - could this be the answer?

http://www.physorg.com/news175702307.html

Clever physical manipulation of the imaging sound waves enables the hyperlens to resolve details smaller than one sixth the length of the waves themselves, bringing into view much smaller objects and features than can be detected using today's technologies.
So this is with sound, but you know the same principles apply to EM waves.

Perhaps this could be a useful approach to mapping out underground cavities with high precision.

Could hyperlensing be useful for planetary exploration and underground mapping?
What do you all think?
 
Last edited:
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Watch this! this guy is incredible, he developed underground and underwater mapping robots, he even talks about sending it to Europa and using a nuclear powered heated drill to get under the miles of ice to get to the liquid ocean and map out under water caves this is INCREDIBLE http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/141
 
  • #3
Good video! However, the first explorations should be done by ground-penetrating sonar. Seismic charges set off on or just below the surface and the soundwaves measured at stations throughout.
 

1. How do scientists map underground caves/tunnels on the Moon/Mars?

Scientists use a variety of techniques to map underground caves/tunnels on the Moon/Mars. These include using remote sensing technology such as radar or laser altimeters, analyzing surface features and topography, and conducting direct exploration using rovers or human astronauts.

2. Why is it important to map underground caves/tunnels on the Moon/Mars?

Mapping underground caves/tunnels on the Moon/Mars is important for several reasons. It can help us understand the geological history of these celestial bodies, provide insights into potential resources or habitable environments, and aid in planning future exploration missions.

3. What challenges do scientists face when mapping underground caves/tunnels on the Moon/Mars?

One of the main challenges scientists face when mapping underground caves/tunnels on the Moon/Mars is the lack of direct access. This means that they must rely on remote sensing techniques and data interpretation, which can be limited and require a high level of expertise. Additionally, the harsh environments and unknown terrain can also pose challenges.

4. Are there any existing maps of underground caves/tunnels on the Moon/Mars?

While there are some rough maps of surface features on the Moon/Mars, there are currently no comprehensive maps of underground caves/tunnels. However, ongoing research and exploration missions are continuously adding to our knowledge and understanding of these underground structures.

5. How could mapping underground caves/tunnels on the Moon/Mars benefit future human settlements?

Mapping underground caves/tunnels on the Moon/Mars could provide valuable information for future human settlements. These structures could potentially serve as shelter from harsh surface conditions and protection from radiation. Mapping would also allow for the identification of potential resources and habitable environments for sustainable living.

Similar threads

  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
6K
  • General Discussion
Replies
11
Views
25K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, LaTeX
Replies
7
Views
3K
Back
Top