NASA Discovers Massive New Crater Formed by Rare Lunar Impact

NASA Discovers Massive New Crater Formed by Rare Lunar Impact

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has spotted a newly formed crater on the moon, created when a comet or asteroid fragment the size of a three- to six-storey building struck the surface between April 11 and May 22, 2024. Named McGetchin after lunar scientist Tom McGetchin, the crater is roughly 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep, three times larger than the previous record-holder.

Scientists described the event as "statistically rare, effectively once-in-a-lifetime," estimating such impacts occur only once every century or longer. The strike went undetected by telescopes on Earth or in space at the time.

Researchers say the discovery offers valuable insight into how large impacts reshape the lunar surface, information NASA will use to assess risks to its planned future moon base.