Why Is NASA Interested In This Upside Down Cave?

Below the Chihuahuan Desert in southeastern New Mexico, lies an extensive system of limestone caves, among them the pristine Lechuguilla Cave and the famed Carlsbad Cavern, home to one of North America's largest underground chambers. But there’s more to this subterranean world than gigantic geological formations. It's also ground zero for a microbial war that’s been raging for thousands of years, right beneath our feet.

Untold Earth explores the seeming impossibilities behind our planet’s strangest, most unique natural wonders. From fragile, untouched ecosystems to familiar but unexplained occurrences in our own backyard, this series chases insight into natural phenomena through the voices that know them best.

Untold Earth is produced in partnership with Atlas Obscura and Nature.

And keep up with Untold Earth and PBS Terra on:

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[Roroxane]

This Diana Northup lady has THE BEST VIBE 🥰

[allisonshaw]

Science, archeology, and history are so cool. How anyone can think they're boring is beyond me.

[nathanbemo]

"What doesn't kill you mutates and tries again"🧐🤔🤣🤩

[literaterose]

Carlsbad Caverns! I thought that’s what I was seeing in the thumbnail. We went there a bunch of times when I was a kid in the 60s and 70s during visits to my grandparents in El Paso TX. I found them endlessly fascinating and beautiful. This was wonderful to watch, really brought me back to the sense of awe I had touring those amazing spaces. Thank you!

[DrachenGothik]

Can we just give a shoutout to her shirt: "What doesn't kill you mutates and tries again"? That's just an awesome sense of humour!

[Grynslvr]

My family toured the caverns when I was about hand high to my dad. I say it that way because, I got too close during the tour and he turned suddenly, accidentally striking me in the mouth. I lost a "baby" tooth in Carlsbad Caverns and as far as I know, that small part of me is now a very small part of the cavern system. Even with loosing a tooth, that visit to the caverns awed me at the time, and have ever since. I'm 67 and still remember the beauty of Carlsbad.

[KatieKatTG]

I finally visited recently, and it truly is breathtaking. It's kind of like seeing the Grand Canyon in person. You can look at a million gorgeous pictures of the place, but it doesn't do justice compared to seeing it in real life.

I would easily recommend this for a bucket list visit, at the very least.

Just a few tips, when visiting. Wear comfortable but supportive shoes and get ready for a serious calf workout. The trail down there is miles long and almost none of it will be level. If you have breathing conditions such as asthma, please be aware that there will be pockets where it isn't as easy to breathe. I definitely regretted not bringing my inhaler with me.
PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING. Keep it beautiful for future generations to enjoy.

Be safe and have fun!

[huldu]

It really makes you wonder if all planets and moons in our solar system are truly devoid of all life or if there are caverns like this far below the surface(or under ice sheets). Where bacteria and simple organisms have been going at it for millions if not billions of years.

[Dhi_Bee]

2:53 This lady seemed cool but it’s confirmed she’s awesome as soon as I saw her shirt😂❤

[allisonjones-lo]

I live in northern New Mexico and I have been to Carlsbad Caverns many times since I was a teenager. I will be taking my grandchildren next year. The Caverns always amaze me!

[janetross]

I was there with my family as a child on vacation. I’m so glad that my father took us to places like this. It was so cool.❤

[ryans]

I was just at Carlsbad a couple of weeks ago, awesome timing

[robertmitchell]

Carlsbad Cavern is awe inspiring. It put me in perspective to nature! Beautiful beyond my words.

[MemphiStig]

I didn't know caves could do this. Very cool.

[rebz]

I want her sweatshirt! (What doesn't kill you mutates and tries again) Brilliant!

[Lichlord]

Diana Northup is one of the best science communicators I’ve ever heard. Can we hear from her more often?

[chefscorner]

My dad and I visited Carlsbad Caverns back in 1976. I couldn't believe how big and open it was. It was still relatively new in that they were still making discoveries in areas that hadn't been researched or even found yet. While I had a hard childhood I was lucky in that the rare good times I did have were of incredible people, places and things. Good thing I always try to find the silverlining. ;)

[mascadadelpantion]

Science is the coolest confusing thing in the world

[toughenupfluffy]

750 feet below the surface, the Big Room is the largest cave chamber by volume in North America.

[GreatOvation]

Wow I haven't seen a short doc this good in quite some time 👍👍👍💛