Science
Researchers identify massive newly formed impact crater on lunar surface
Researchers found a 222-meter-wide crater formed in 2024, Scientific American reports.
The short version
- Image analysis of Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data revealed a newly formed 222-meter-wide crater on the moon's eastern edge.[Scientific American]
- Scientists published findings in Science Advances, noting the impact is the largest newly formed crater discovered in the solar system.[Scientific American]
- Thermal measurements showed that regolith piled around the newly named McGetchin Crater is 16 degrees Fahrenheit cooler at night than adjacent ground.[Scientific American]
Key facts
- An image processing specialist discovered a new lunar crater measuring 222 meters across and 43 meters deep by comparing LRO photos from April and May 2024.[Scientific American]
- A paper in Science Advances describes the site, named McGetchin Crater, as the largest newly formed impact crater discovered in the solar system.[Scientific American]
- Lunar impacts of this magnitude are estimated to occur only once every 132 years.[Scientific American]
- Thermal sensors onboard the LRO indicated the region surrounding the crater is 16 degrees Fahrenheit cooler at night than surrounding terrain.[Scientific American]
What remains uncertain
- The 132-year interval between impacts of this scale is a statistical estimate rather than an observed cycle.[Scientific American]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Scientists discover largest new impact crater in the solar system ever—on our moonScientific American metered