NASA Spacecraft Detects Massive Impact Crater on the Moon's Surface
Wider than the Roman Colosseum, this new crater is recorded as the largest impact scar formed in the solar system in recent times.
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has discovered a massive impact crater on the Moon's surface larger than the Roman Colosseum, which occurred two years ago but was noticed only later.
Dimensions and Characteristics of the Crater
Measuring approximately 7,222 meters wide and 43 meters deep with steep-sided walls, the depression holds the distinction of being the largest known impact crater carved in the solar system in recent times. Being three times larger than the previous record holder found by the LRO a decade ago, this structure bears the name of the late Thomas McGetchin.
Discovery Process and the Reason for Delay
This impact on the Moon was not detected in real-time by telescopes on Earth and in space. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spotted the crater in May 2024, but the wide-angle images from the LRO went unnoticed until August 2025 due to data density.
Scientific Evaluations and Research
In studies published on Wednesday in the journal Science Advances, researchers stated that an event of this magnitude occurs approximately once every 132 years, making the situation a rare observation.