NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has identified a massive 728-foot-wide crater on the Moon that wasn’t there before 2024. This newly formed crater—the largest ever recorded in the solar system—has reshaped the lunar landscape and opened a window into how impacts affect the Moon's surface and environment.
- Largest newly formed crater in the solar system discovered on the Moon
- Impact created a 728-foot-wide, 141-foot-deep crater named McGetchin
- Surrounding area shows a significant and unusual nighttime cold spot
What happened
During a routine review of lunar images, NASA scientist Robert Wagner noticed a fresh, bright patch with a dark halo that stood out on the Moon's surface. Comparing recent images to older ones, he confirmed that a giant new crater had appeared between April 11 and May 22, 2024. Named McGetchin after lunar scientist Tom McGetchin, this crater measures 728 feet across and 141 feet deep—large enough to fit three school buses stacked vertically.
The formation resulted from a collision with an asteroid or comet roughly the size of a three- to six-story building. Such impacts are rare on the Moon, perhaps happening only once a century. Since the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter began circling the Moon 17 years ago, over 1,000 new impact craters have been documented, but none have matched McGetchin's size.
Why it feels good
This discovery highlights the strength of NASA’s long-term lunar monitoring program, demonstrating how sustained observation can capture dynamic processes on the Moon in real time. Understanding fresh impact events helps scientists learn about lunar geology and surface evolution, vital knowledge as humans prepare for future Moon missions and even lunar bases.
Moreover, the surprising extent of the crater’s effect—extending several miles beyond the impact site—reveals how a single collision can influence temperature and soil structure. Such findings fuel optimism about the growing scientific value of lunar exploration, showing that the Moon remains an active and fascinating place to study.
What to enjoy or watch next
Going forward, researchers plan to study how the loosened lunar soil, or regolith, around McGetchin influences surface conditions. The nearby terrain stays about 16 degrees Fahrenheit colder at night, indicating that the impact disturbed the way the ground retains heat—a factor that could affect rover travel and habitat design on the Moon.
With the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter continuing its mission, we can expect more surprises as it tracks ongoing changes on the lunar surface. The ongoing findings will support NASA's goal of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon, while inspiring enthusiasts worldwide to watch for new discoveries in the coming years.