NASA found a mysterious hole on Mars: could it become a shelter for humans.

According to ТСН: A new mysterious hole has been discovered on Mars, which could serve as an entrance to underground spaces that would protect future researchers from radiation and harsh conditions. The image was taken by the HiRISE camera on NASA's Mars orbital spacecraft, but what is hidden inside remains a mystery.

This hole was found near Arsia Mons — one of the largest volcanoes on the Red Planet. Scientists believe it could be a light shaft leading to lava tunnels. Similar formations on Earth serve as natural caves and reliably protect against the external environment. On Mars, such structures could become potential shelters from dangerous levels of radiation, which are 2.5 times higher than those on the ISS.

However, despite the encouraging assumptions, researchers do not rule out that the hole could be a regular impact crater formed without access to underground voids. Estimates by Universe Today suggest that the depth of the structure near Arsia is approximately 178 meters.

Scientific breakthroughs in the study of Martian caves

Interest in Martian caves has notably increased after a series of scientific achievements. In 2024, research on lava tubes in Lanzarote showed that such formations can preserve biosignatures — traces of ancient microbial life. And in 2025, NASA published a rare panorama of the Tharsis region, showing the summit of Arsia above the morning clouds, highlighting the unique conditions of this area.

At the end of 2025, scientists also announced a possible discovery of a new type of cave in the Hebrus Valley — likely karst caves formed by water. If their origin is confirmed, this could be an important step in the search for traces of life and for establishing Martian habitats.

The study of such holes remains a priority for upcoming robotic missions aimed at determining whether Mars' underground structures can serve as real shelters for humans in future expeditions.

It is worth noting that scientists have found that the Moon is slowly absorbing fragments of Earth's atmosphere. This process has been ongoing for billions of years due to the 'invisible highways' created by our planet's magnetic field.

This news reflects an exciting discovery that could have serious implications for future research on Mars. The finding of underground structures capable of protection from radiation underscores the importance of further research and potential missions to the Red Planet. With the expansion of knowledge about Martian caves, humanity is getting closer to the possibility of establishing housing on another planet, continuing the search for signs of life beyond Earth.