:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/metroworldnews/LNGSKNFG45CFFEFLHVBW7BYSLY.jpg "Get to know the Spanish island similar to the Moon and Mars where NASA astronauts train")
Some will think that the astronauts of the POT they must spend their time in the laboratory, in the office or in some research center, but they can also train in islands with crystal clear waters, volcanic beaches and arid landscapes, such as Lanzarote, an island in Spain.
As a report published on the website of The debatethis island is important for Spanish tourism, but also called Isla Diferente It has mineral and geological properties, similar to those of the Moon or Marsso agencies such as NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have been interested in doing studies on it.
The report says that several astronauts from both organizations have trained in their lava and volcanic slag fields since 2017. to reproduce the conditions that they will experience the day they set foot on extraterrestrial soil, with the obvious differences.
Surface and similar caves
In addition to having a surface similar to the lunar or the Martian, this island has caves that have motivated the ESA, the Lunar Institute or the most advanced universities in the world to organize the fourth edition of their International Conference on Planetary Caves in a grotto of the island.
The conference, which will take place between May 4 and 7, will be held between the Jameos del Agua, the volcanic tube segment of La Corona converted into one of the most spectacular auditoriums in the world, and the sociocultural center of La Tegala, in the town of Haria.
The experts intend to verify or not whether it is possible to sow in soils with these characteristics and extract minerals or fuels. On the other hand, astrophysicists also want to know if the cavities that dot the lunar or Martian geography can offer refuge to those who build bases in those places, due to protection against solar radiation.
The exploration of the subsoil of the Moon and Mars, the scientific potential of the mouths of the caves, the possibility of searching for subterranean volatiles and determining the habitability of the subsoil or the opportunity to investigate whether caves on other planets can harbor life are part of the interest. of the scientists.
