A remarkable discovery on the Moon has revealed evidence of an impact powerful enough to reshape a vast area of the lunar landscape. Scientists analysing images from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) identified an enormous crater formed by an asteroid or comet in 2024.

The newly discovered crater, named McGetchin, measures approximately 222 metres across and 43 metres deep. Researchers estimate that an impact of this magnitude occurs on the Moon only once every century or even less frequently.

The findings, published in Science Advances in September 2026, provide valuable information about lunar impacts and their consequences for future exploration.

How Scientists Discovered The Crater

The discovery began during a routine examination of lunar images on 24 October 2025. Researcher Robert Wagner noticed an unusually bright area surrounded by a dark ring while comparing photographs captured at different times.

Further investigation revealed that the feature was associated with a previously unidentified impact crater. By examining older photographs, scientists established that the collision occurred between 11 April and 22 May 2024. The crater lies near the Moon's eastern edge and was named in honour of pioneering lunar scientist Tom McGetchin.

What Caused The Enormous Impact?

Researchers believe the crater was created when an asteroid or comet struck the lunar surface. The incoming object may have been comparable in size to a building between three and six storeys tall.

Unlike Earth, the Moon has virtually no atmosphere to slow incoming space debris or cause smaller objects to burn up. Consequently, asteroids and other fragments can strike its surface at tremendous speeds. The collision excavated a crater approximately 222 metres wide, scattering material across the surrounding landscape. It represents the largest newly formed impact crater identified during the orbiter's mission.

Unexpected Changes In Lunar Temperatures

The discovery became even more interesting when scientists examined thermal measurements of the surrounding terrain. Using the spacecraft's Diviner instrument, researchers identified an area approximately 6.4 kilometres across that was unusually cold during the lunar night.

Temperatures in this region were about 9°C lower than those of the surrounding surface.

Scientists believe the impact disturbed the lunar soil, known as regolith, making it less compact and reducing its ability to retain heat.

This demonstrates that collisions can alter the physical properties of the Moon's surface far beyond the crater itself.

Why The Discovery Matters

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has studied the Moon for more than 17 years, gathering detailed information about its geography, temperature and surface composition.

During the mission, scientists have identified at least 1,000 new impact craters and approximately 100,000 additional surface changes. Most newly detected craters are much smaller than McGetchin. Understanding how impacts disturb lunar soil is particularly important for future exploration.

Changes in surface density and texture could influence how robotic vehicles move across the Moon and how equipment interacts with the ground.

What Scientists Hope To Learn Next

Researchers are continuing to analyse high-resolution images to understand the collision's effects and estimate the impactor's characteristics. Future studies could reveal more about how lunar craters form and how far disturbed material travels.

The findings also highlight the scientific value of repeatedly photographing the same regions over many years.

As preparations for further lunar exploration continue, discoveries like McGetchin provide essential information about the Moon's changing environment and the challenges awaiting future missions.