Scientists recently made a groundbreaking discovery of a massive crater on the moon, larger than the famed Roman Colosseum. This crater, formed by a powerful impact two years ago, measures 222 meters across and up to 43 meters deep, making it the largest known impact crater in the solar system created in modern times.
According to researchers, such significant impact events occur approximately once every 132 years, providing valuable insights as NASA plans to establish a lunar base for astronauts. The findings were detailed in two studies published in the journal Science Advances.
The crater, named after the late Thomas McGetchin, was first identified by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) on the moon’s near side in May 2024. Despite the impact going unnoticed by Earth-based and space telescopes, LRO’s detailed images confirmed the crater’s existence early this year.
Mark Robinson, chief scientist for LRO’s cameras at Intuitive Machines, noted that the impact disrupted over 100 kilometers of the lunar surface, scattering dust and rocky soil at unexpected angles. Another study revealed a seven-kilometer-wide cold spot surrounding the crater, indicating a disturbance in the moon’s topsoil akin to gardening practices.
Robinson highlighted that the moon’s top two centimeters of soil are overturned by ejected material every 80,000 years, a faster rate than previously believed. This overturning process could potentially impact NASA’s future lunar base, prompting engineers to strategize protective measures for the structures.
The ongoing research aims to assess the risk of ejected crater material affecting the moon base, ensuring its resilience against potential damages.
