NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has detected a huge new crater on the Moon, created after a comet or asteroid struck the lunar surface in 2024.
Named McGetchin, the crater formed sometime between April 11 and May 22, 2024. Scientists estimate the incoming space rock was roughly the size of a three- to six-storey building.
The impact created a crater around 222 metres wide and 43 metres deep, making it the largest newly identified impact crater in the Solar System.
Researchers say an impact of this scale may occur on the Moon only about once every century or even less often.
The discovery began when Robert Wagner, an image-processing specialist working with LRO’s camera team, noticed an unusually bright area surrounded by a dark halo while checking lunar maps. Comparing images from before and after the suspected impact revealed fresh debris and led to further observations.
LRO data also showed that the collision affected the surrounding terrain. A cold region nearly four miles wide was found around the crater, with nighttime temperatures about 9 degrees Celsius lower than nearby areas.
Scientists say the impact disturbed and loosened the lunar soil, reducing its ability to retain heat. The findings could provide useful insights for future lunar exploration.
