Huge cavity discovered in Great Pyramid of Giza

A team of international scientists studied the Great Pyramid of Giza for two years and discovered a previously unknown giant void within its structure. The newly discovered feature of the Great Pyramid is found directly above the Grand Gallery, it is estimated to be about 30 meters long and several meters in height. Besides the big void, the ScanPyramids also discovered a smaller void on the northern face.

The purpose of the giant void is unknown, it's not accessible so the researchers don't now whether it holds anything of value. It was discovered using various non-invasive muon tomography techniques, which use cosmic ray muons to peer through thick materials.

"We don't know whether this big void is horizontal or inclined; we don't know if this void is made by one structure or several successive structures," explained Mehdi Tayoubi from the HIP Institute, Paris.

"What we are sure about is that this big void is there; that it is impressive; and that it was not expected as far as I know by any sort of theory."

Scientists hope to gain permission from Egypt's government to investigate the void, perhaps by drilling a very small 3cm hole for a robotic investigation. The ScanPyramids team is careful not to describe the feature as a "chamber" because its purpose is unknown. Some scientists suggest the void could be a pressure-relieving feature to protect the narrow roof of the grand gallery. Others believe the void may be much more exciting. More details can be read at BBC News.