NASA Finds Once-in-Century Moon Crater: 221 Meters Wide

NASA has discovered a massive new moon crater measuring 221 meters (728 feet) wide and 41 meters (141 feet) deep, an impact event scientists say occurs only once in a century or longer. The steep-sided crater, named McGetchin, is the largest freshly formed crater ever found in our solar system and was created by an asteroid or comet the size of a three- to six-story building.

How was the new moon crater discovered?

The discovery came from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), which has been circling the Moon for 17 years at an altitude of about 100 kilometers, using seven scientific instruments. While reviewing new data to see whether lunar maps needed updating, image-processing specialist Robert Wagner of Intuitive Machines spotted an unusually bright spot ringed by a dark halo. "I stopped and dropped everything to study what this was," Wagner said. By comparing newer photos with older ones, astronomers determined the crater formed between April 11 and May 22, 2024.

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter mission has now identified more than 1,000 fresh impact craters, but none as large as McGetchin. NASA described the formation as "the largest fresh crater ever found in our solar system."

What caused the new moon crater?

According to NASA, the crater was caused by an asteroid or comet fragment roughly the size of a three- to six-story building striking the Moon's eastern edge. Because the Moon has no atmosphere to slow down or burn up incoming rocks, lunar impacts generally cause more damage than those on Earth. The impact churned up surface material over an area of more than 66 miles, leaving a cold spot about 4 miles wide around the crater.

McGetchin crater: key facts

• Width: 221 meters (728 feet), about two football fields
• Depth: 41 meters (141 feet), enough for three stacked school buses
• Formed: between April 11 and May 22, 2024
• Location: Moon's eastern edge
• Name: honors lunar scientist Tom McGetchin, who died in 1979

The crater is named after Thomas McGetchin, a pioneering planetary scientist and former director of the Lunar and Planetary Institute. The name was chosen to honor his contributions to lunar geology. Similar to previous lunar impact events, this discovery highlights how the Moon's surface is still actively changing.

Why is this once-in-a-century moon crater important?

The find has significant implications for future lunar exploration. Researchers say the data will help assess risks to NASA's planned lunar base and other missions under the Artemis program. The LRO's long-term monitoring is proving essential for understanding impact rates and protecting astronauts. The discovery also underscores the value of NASA Artemis program infrastructure and lunar reconnaissance.

According to scientists, an impact of this size may occur only about once every 132 years. The previous record-holder for a fresh lunar crater was about three times smaller. The new crater is so large that its thermal signature shows the surrounding area is a few degrees cooler than the rest of the Moon because the ejected debris retains heat less effectively than the compacted lunar soil.

FAQ: New moon crater discovered by NASA

How big is the new moon crater?

The McGetchin crater is 221 meters (728 feet) wide and 41 meters (141 feet) deep, making it the largest fresh crater ever found in the solar system.

When did the moon crater form?

It formed between April 11 and May 22, 2024, according to before-and-after images from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

What caused the new moon crater?

An asteroid or comet fragment the size of a three- to six-story building struck the Moon's eastern edge, creating the crater.

Why is the crater named McGetchin?

It is named after Thomas McGetchin, a lunar scientist and former director of the Lunar and Planetary Institute who died in 1979.

How often do such large moon craters form?

NASA estimates such a large impact occurs about once every 132 years, making it a once-in-a-century event.