Lava tubes are natural underground tunnels formed by volcanic activity.

They typically originate in basaltic lava flows, where low-viscosity lava is either entrenched and crusted over or inflated in-between preexisting lava layers

Beside Earth, evidence of lava tubes has been identified on other celestial bodies such as Mars and the Moon.

For example, recent research provides compelling evidence of a subsurface cave conduit beneath the Mare Tranquillitatis Pit on the Moon.

The existence of lava tubes on Venus has been largely hypothesized but never confirmed.

“Our knowledge of Venus is still limited, and until now we have never had the opportunity to directly observe processes occurring beneath the surface of Earth’s twin planet,” said University of Trento’s Professor Lorenzo Bruzzone.

“The identification of a volcanic cavity is therefore of particular importance, as it allows us to validate theories that for many years have only hypothesized their existence.”

“This discovery contributes to a deeper understanding of the processes that have shaped Venus’ evolution and opens new perspectives for the study of the planet.”