NASA discovery on the Red Planet: A hole on Mars could ensure the survival of astronauts

In the area of ​​the extinct Arsia Mons volcano, part of the Tharsis Montes volcano group on Mars, the Mars Exploration Orbiter discovered a mysterious geological phenomenon: a crater a few meters in diameter and about 178 meters deep. The crater was photographed on August 15, 2022. This area, with an area of ​​thousands of square metres, was originally characterized by intense volcanic activity. The area is interesting to NASA because it contains many other mysteries.

Some scientists suspect that the hole could be the entrance to an underground lava tube. These lava tubes, which may have formed from previous lava flows on Mars, are of great importance for future Martian colonization. It would likely provide protection from Mars' harsh environment, including deadly solar radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations, and dust storms. Additionally, these lava tubes could contain water deposits that could be crucial in the search for extraterrestrial life.

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However, images of the crater show an illuminated side wall, suggesting that it may simply be a cylindrical crater with no connection to lava tubes. Such craters, similar to the craters found in Hawaiian volcanoes, are formed by volcanic collapses rather than by lava flows.

The exact nature of this hole remains unclear at the present time. It can be either the entrance to a lava tube or an isolated volcanic crater. More research is needed to solve this puzzle. At least it indicates volcanic activity on the red planet. Exploring these structures is important not only for understanding the geological history of Mars, but also for planning future Mars missions and possible colonization of the Red Planet.

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