NASA selects GIMLI project to search for underground lunar cave
NASA has chosen a proposal led by the Planetary Science Institute to explore whether the Marius Hill Pit leads to a subterranean cave.
FTMQ Space, written by our newsroom0 views
NASA has selected the GIMLI project to investigate whether the Marius Hill Pit on the Moon opens into a vast underground cave or lava tube, ScienceDaily reported on October 5, 2026. The project is led by the Planetary Science Institute. [1]
Researchers plan to utilize radar, seismic sensors, gravity measurements, and cameras to examine beneath the lunar surface, according to ScienceDaily. The team aims to estimate the size of any hidden subterranean void. [1]
Darker basaltic maria on the surface of the Moon originate from ancient mantle lava flows, which were shaped over billions of years by meteoroid impacts. Geologists note that direct evidence of igneous lunar geology was previously corroborated by seismic data and sample analyses. [3]
ScienceDaily noted that such underground caverns could preserve clues regarding the volcanic history of the Moon. Furthermore, these structures could eventually serve as protected shelters for future exploration efforts. [1]
In short
- NASA selected the Planetary Science Institute-led GIMLI project to investigate the Marius Hill Pit.
- Researchers will use radar, seismic sensors, gravity measurements, and cameras to detect hidden voids.
- The investigation seeks to determine if a cavern could shelter future lunar explorers and clarify volcanic history.
Sources
Every paragraph above points to the numbered items it rests on. Read the originals here.
- [1]This mysterious hole on the Moon may open into a giant caveScienceDaily Space & Time, 1d ago (the report this story comes from)
Background
- [2]The Mysterious Cities of Gold on Wikipedia
- [3]Moon on Grokipedia
Our newsroom writes these reports with the help of software, from the 3 sources listed and nothing else, and checks them against those sources. Facts can still be wrong or move on; the originals are the record. Spotted a mistake? Write to daniel@monsterkong.com.
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