NASA has spotted a strange pit on the Martian surface, and scientists believe that it could be a gateway to underground shelters for future human explorers.

Just like the Moon, Mars is considered a rich destination for astronomical discoveries that would enable humans to travel far from Earth. The Red Planet remains our target for human exploration since it is believed to be the other planet in the Solar System where life could possibly exist.

Since the 1960s, several orbiters, landers, and rovers have been sent to Mars with the goal of exploring its surface in preparation for human colonization. Just recently, NASA prepared for its Artemis mission, which involved the creation of a lunar base and laid the groundwork for future journeys to the Red Planet.

Data from space missions, however, revealed that Mars has some features which makes it different from the Earth. Because of this, human visitors would need some place as shelter against temperature changes, radiation, and dust storms that plague the Red Planet.

If Mars resembles the Earth or the moon, it could contain huge subterranean lava tubes that have the potential to provide shelter. Collapsed areas of lava tubes, known as skylights, can offer access to these underground refuges.

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