NASA scientist finds largest new lunar crater in 132 years

Discovery of rare impact event

Robert Wagner examined routine data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter when he spotted an unusual bright spot surrounded by a dark halo. He realized immediately that this pattern indicated a significant surface disturbance caused by a recent collision. Comparing older images with newer ones confirmed the feature was a crater that had formed just over a year prior.

Dimensions and formation timeline

The new impact site measures 728 feet wide and is about as deep as the Roman Colosseum. Scientists believe an object roughly the size of a three to six story building struck the surface between April and May 2024. This specific type of large impact event occurs on average once every 132 years according to current estimates.

Official naming and significance

Researchers officially named the feature the McGetchin crater after a pioneer in lunar science. The finding demonstrates how long running observations track changes across the lunar landscape effectively. This discovery represents the largest newly formed crater ever identified within our solar system.