Scientists have found nine caves on Mars that they believe are the most likely viable sites for future Martian exploration missions.

The research, presented last month at The Geological Society of America’s Connects 2022 conference, found these caves to be suitable to build shelters for future astronauts as they can provide protection from the harsh environment on the Red Planet.

Researchers, including those from the University of Arizona in the US, say future crewed missions could also capitalise on the naturally-occurring resources available in these habitats.

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Mars is known to have a hostile environment with wildly fluctuating temperatures between day and night, harsh radiation, as well as frequent bombardment by meteorites and space rocks.

Scientists have long believed cave-like structures on Mars known as subsurface voids can provide some respite to future astronauts from these harsh conditions.

Read more: Independent