Scientists discover largest new impact crater in the solar system ever—on our moon
The crater, named after geologist and lunar surface expert Tom McGetchin, spans more than two football fields wide
Scientists have discovered the largest newly formed impact crater ever found in our solar system, located on the moon's surface. Named the McGetchin Crater after geologist Tom McGetchin, the crater spans 222 meters across and is 43 meters deep. Discovered by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), the impact would occur once every 132 years, making it extremely rare.
With the moon's minimal atmosphere, lack of liquid water, and absence of major tectonic activity, its surface remains relatively unchanged over time – unless struck by celestial objects. By studying the crater, scientists can better understand how impacts from asteroids, comets, and meteorites affect lunar landscapes, as well as how these phenomena played out on other celestial bodies.
The LRO's heat-sensing instrument detected that the crater's center glows red while its surroundings are 16 degrees Fahrenheit cooler at night, indicating that the surrounding lunar dirt, known as regolith, is less dense than the area around the crater, preventing heat retention. As humans plan their return to the moon for the first time in half a century, with long-term bases in the works, studying the McGetchin Crater could help develop technology to better equip astronauts for traversing the harsh lunar environment.
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