NASA Moon Orbiter Detects Rare Century-Scale Impact Crater

• NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has identified the largest, newly formed crater ever discovered on the Moon, designated as the McGetchin crater.
• The impact, which occurred between April 11 and May 22, 2024, is estimated to happen only once a century.
• The crater measures 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep.

The Event

• The collision was triggered by a comet or asteroid approximately the size of a three- to six-story building.
• The impact left a signature bright spot on the lunar surface, caused by material ejected from the site.
• LRO has been monitoring the Moon for over 17 years and has identified at least 1,000 new craters to date.

Impact Findings

• Follow-up analysis using the LRO's Diviner thermal instrument revealed a 4-mile-wide "cold spot" surrounding the crater.
• The area is approximately 16 degrees Fahrenheit cooler at night than the surrounding terrain.
• This temperature anomaly occurs because the impact "fluffs up" the regolith, reducing its density and thermal retention capacity.
• Scientists note that such physical surface modifications can significantly influence future lunar operations, including rover navigation and exploration.