Can this mysterious 'hole' on Mars help humans colonise the red planet?

As humans continue to deplete Earth's resources, experts feel that in order to prevent possible extinction colonising Mars, the only other habitable planet in our solar system, is the best possible solution. Its somewhat suitable atmosphere makes it an ideal candidate. More recently, reports of a mysterious 'hole on Mars have experts leaning in, and space enthusiasts taking copious notes. Here's what you need to know.

What is this mysterious 'hole' on Mars?

This pit crater could help shelter humans during expeditions | Image: NASA/JPL¨CCaltech/UArizona via space.com

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The mysterious pit is only a few metres across and rests on a lava flow on the ancient and now-extinct volcano Arsia Mons. According to space.com, the crater possibly leads to a larger cave that could provide shelter to both astronauts and 'Martian life.' The pit was first imaged on August 15, 2022, and was positioned 256 kilometres above the surface at the time.

How can it help us one day in occupying Mars?

Another pit crater on Arsia Mons | Image: NASA/JPL¨CCaltech/UArizona via space.com

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Lava flowing from a volcano often creates extensive underground tubes that channel the movement of hot material. While these tubes are commonly found along the sides of volcanoes, this one appears to be a vertical shaft. If verified, it could potentially lead to a cavern or cave system. Similar to the Moon or Earth, Mars might have empty lava tubes, known as skylights, which could offer shelter for human settlements on the planet's barren surface.

An image of one such pit reveals a sidewall, suggesting it is cylindrical and may not connect to a cave. These holes, known as 'pit craters,' are prevalent on Hawaiian volcanoes. On Earth, their depths range from six to 186 meters, while the Arsia Mons pit in the image is 178 meters deep. Scientists find these pits fascinating as they could provide insights into Mars' past and help determine if microbial life currently exists on the planet.

Why are humans so obsessed with occupying Mars?

Screenshot from a simulated movie of Mojave Crater on Mars | Image: jpl.nasa.gov

Not too long ago, as humans ate through Earth's resources, one solution experts came up with in order to save humanity from possible extinction was to occupy the only other habitable planet in our solar system: Mars. Its close proximity, perfect placement in a shared solar system and an almost suitable atmosphere made it the next best option for us. Today, with each progressive day, our obsession with the red planet only grows.

Here are some highlights to get you up to speed: Chinese researchers have created an AI-powered robotic chemist that can generate enough oxygen for us to breathe on Mars. Last year, four volunteers entered a simulation, mimicking life on the red planet, for a period of 378 days so NASA could ¡°collect cognitive and physical performance data to give us more insight into the potential impacts of long-duration missions to Mars.¡± And, finally, in another massive leap, NASA managed to produce small amounts of oxygen using its Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilisation Experiment (MOXIE) instrument, enough to sustain an astronaut for a few hours.

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