Just when you think you’ve seen everything, science unearths a new discovery that showcases the astounding beauty of our universe, whether here on our home planet or out in space. Recently, subterranean researchers made a humble yet fascinating discovery right here in New Mexico.
During an expedition deep into Lechuguilla Cave, a team of explorers came across this pristine, aquamarine pool.
Max Wisshak for Carlsbad Caverns National Park/Facebook It was found in October 2019 but only made public last month. The pool, surrounded by cream and peach-colored minerals, is tiny in comparison to other cave water sources. However, the pastel color palette combined with the presence of human-free bacterial colonies makes this a stunning find.
Lechuguilla Cave is located at New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns National Park and is the eighth-longest cave in the world.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park/Facebook It is known for its exceptionally unique—though exceptionally delicate—geological formations, like the gypsum chandeliers seen in this photo.
It was only in the 1980s that researchers discovered this cave to be an intriguing abyss.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park/Facebook Seen here is a recent map that shows how much of it has been mapped by researchers. It is deep and discoveries like the aquamarine pool are continually being made.
Other larger pools have been found throughout the cave, each a unique discovery completely untouched by humans.
Dave Bunnell/Wikimedia Commons Other findings in the cave include odd formations, like cave pearls, soda straws, hydromagnesite balloons, and rusticles. These sound unreal but create an otherworldly atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
Because of the extreme fragility of the cave’s geological and biological environment, the cave is open to scientific researchers and survey teams only.
Dave Bunnell/Wikimedia Commons But if that means preserving sights like this, its closure to the general public is absolutely worth it.
Lechuguilla Cave is located in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and is closed to the general public.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park/Facebook
You can find details about the finds researchers have discovered in the cave by visiting the National Park Service website or their Facebook page.
Max Wisshak for Carlsbad Caverns National Park/Facebook
It was found in October 2019 but only made public last month. The pool, surrounded by cream and peach-colored minerals, is tiny in comparison to other cave water sources. However, the pastel color palette combined with the presence of human-free bacterial colonies makes this a stunning find.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park/Facebook
It is known for its exceptionally unique—though exceptionally delicate—geological formations, like the gypsum chandeliers seen in this photo.
Seen here is a recent map that shows how much of it has been mapped by researchers. It is deep and discoveries like the aquamarine pool are continually being made.
Dave Bunnell/Wikimedia Commons
Other findings in the cave include odd formations, like cave pearls, soda straws, hydromagnesite balloons, and rusticles. These sound unreal but create an otherworldly atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
But if that means preserving sights like this, its closure to the general public is absolutely worth it.
Website: nps.gov Facebook: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
Lechuguilla Cave may be closed to the general public but you can still enjoy a subterranean escape at in the caves of Carlsbad Caverns. Read about one particularly fascinating way to explore the caverns in The Candlelight Cave Tour In New Mexico Is A Unique Way to Experience Carlsbad Caverns.
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Address: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Carlsbad, NM 88220, USA
