Scientists and stargazers have long thought that the moon is completely dormant and barren. While it is definitely barren, it might not be as dormant after all. Researchers have discovered “something” deep under the surface of the far side of the moon that is generating massive amounts of heat. Unfortunately, scientists think it’s probably something boring and not the secret base where “They” are keeping all the Hitler clones until the time is right.

Chinese and American lunar orbiters have confirmed the discovery at the Compton-Belkovich crater on the dark side of the moon. The satellites used microwave frequencies to detect temperatures underneath the surface. It’s long been believed that all the craters on the moon’s surface were caused by meteorites striking the surface. They’ve found one that’s different, however.

The orbiters detected a crater where the subsurface temperatures are about 50 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than any of the surrounding areas. The crater where the heat is emanating from is about 12 miles wide, and scientists now believe it’s a long-dormant volcano. They think the “crater” where the heat is coming from is a caldera and there seems to be a huge mass of granite trapped underground beneath it.

Researchers at the Planetary Science Institute here in the US say the microwave readings of this granite mass are practically glowing. The heat is being generated by elements trapped in the granite that are undergoing radioactive decay (at least that’s their current theory). This raises some major scientific questions because, under normal circumstances, it requires water and plate tectonics to create granite.

“If you don’t have water, it takes extreme situations to make granite,” notes Dr. Matt Siegler. “So, here’s this system with no water, and no plate tectonics—but you have granite.”

Another possible theory is that the mass of granite got there when an asteroid slammed into the moon. That begs several new questions. Where did the granite come from? Why didn’t it dissolve into the core of the moon like all other asteroids seem to have done?

Maybe scientists have been incorrect when it comes to their theories about how granite is formed.

This discovery also has profound implications beyond the nerd stuff that kids learn in science class. The radioactive elements in that mass of granite are an exploitable resource. This could trigger a new space race between Elon Musk, China, and other countries. Whoever gets to that site first will be able to exploit those elements as a potential power source.

You might be able to power a mini nuclear plant to provide electricity for a human base on the moon. It could also be used as a potential refueling station for longer trips to Mars. It opens up a lot of possibilities, although the lack of water on the moon is going to remain a major challenge to any future exploration.

The good news in all this for science buffs is that Donald Trump won the 2024 election. If Kamala Harris had won, Elon Musk would probably be in a jail cell already for allowing free speech on X.com. Since he’s still out of prison and walking around free, America will likely be leading a new golden age of space exploration as we approach the mid-21st century.

It’s one thing to look at boring geological formations on the moon with satellite imagery. The idea of sending humans back into space after all these years is extremely exciting.