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NASA’s Moon Orbiter Spots New, ‘Once-in-Century’ Moon Crater
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter discovered the McGetchin crater, the largest newly formed crater ever found in the solar system. It was created by an impact between April 11 and May 22, 2024.
Why it matters
The impact modified the lunar surface far beyond the crater, creating a cold spot that could affect how rover wheels interact with the ground. This emphasizes the dynamic nature of the Moon as NASA plans for sustained human presence.
The big picture
This discovery of lunar dynamics complements other NASA lunar activities, such as the International Observe the Moon Night celebration.
The details
- The crater was formed by a comet or asteroid the size of a three- to six-story building. - It is named after pioneering lunar scientist Tom McGetchin. - LRO has identified at least 1,000 new impact craters throughout its mission. - Discovery software flags shifts in lighting and shadow to highlight new regolith splashes.
What's next
Scientists expect to publish a future paper regarding the size and force of the rock fragment that caused the impact.
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Key connections
NASA owns Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera
Robert Wagner works at Intuitive Machines
Wagner, an image-processing specialist from Intuitive Machines
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is related to Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera
data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC) system
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is related to Wide-Angle Camera
images captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Wide-Angle Camera
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is related to Narrow-Angle Camera
images from LRO’s Narrow-Angle Camera
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is related to Diviner
LRO’s thermal instrument, Diviner
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Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera is related to Wide-Angle Camera
LROC’s Wide-Angle Camera
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera is related to Narrow-Angle Camera
LROC scientists regularly analyze close-up images... taken by the Narrow-Angle Camera
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