NASA Identifies McGetchin Crater from Recent Lunar Impact Event
NASA found McGetchin crater, the solar system's largest recent impact crater, informing lunar habitat planning.
Event / Science
McGetchin Lunar Impact Crater
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter captured images of McGetchin, a 222-meter diameter crater on the Moon formed by a comet or asteroid impact in spring 2024. Discovered by researcher Robert Wagner, it is the largest recently-formed crater identified in the solar system. The impact, a rare event occurring roughly once per century, was confirmed in a September 2024 study in Science Advances.
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2026-09-17 to 2026-11-05 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 17 Sept, 11:39 UTC
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McGetchin crater is largest recently-formed crater in solar system
The McGetchin crater is the largest recently-formed crater ever identified in the solar system, according to a study published on September 17 in Science Advances. Its formation represents a rare observational event occurring approximately once per century.
NASA discovers McGetchin crater on Moon from recent impact
A 222-meter diameter crater named McGetchin was discovered on the Moon's surface, formed by the impact of a comet or asteroid in spring 2024. The crater was identified by American researcher Robert Wagner using images from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera, which has been studying the Moon since 2009. The crater appears as a bright spot surrounded by a dark halo in orbital images.
Moon crater caused by building-sized asteroid impact
Researchers estimate the McGetchin crater was formed by an object approximately 3 to 6 stories tall. The Moon lacks significant atmosphere to slow or burn up meteors, asteroids, and space debris before they strike the surface, allowing impacts to create large craters. Approximately 140 new craters are created on the Moon each year from smaller debris.
Real-time Moon crater observation aids future habitat planning
Near real-time observation of the McGetchin crater's formation and evolution enables better understanding of the Moon's complex geology. This knowledge supports preparation for future crewed missions, as the United States and China plan to construct bases on the lunar surface.
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