NASA Finds Largest Recent Moon Crater, Formed in 2024

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has identified a massive new crater on the Moon's near side, formed by an asteroid or comet strike between April and May 2024. The impact created a steep-sided hole 222 meters wide and up to 43 meters deep, making it the largest fresh impact crater documented in the solar system.

The collision escaped real-time detection by telescopes on Earth and in space. Researcher Robert Wagner discovered the feature in October 2025 while processing wide-angle camera data, noticing a bright patch with a dark halo. High-resolution imaging confirmed the crater early this year.

“This event constitutes a statistically rare, effectively once-in-a-lifetime observation.”

Scientists estimate impacts of this magnitude occur only once every 100 to 132 years. The event churned lunar surface material across more than 100 kilometers, ejecting dust and rock at higher angles than expected. A separate study identified a 7-kilometer-wide cold spot around the crater, suggesting the impact loosened the topsoil.

Named for late lunar scientist Thomas McGetchin, the crater is three times larger than the previous LRO record-holder from a decade ago. Researchers say studying its formation in real time offers a rare window into lunar geology and will help prepare for crewed Artemis missions and planned bases by the U.S. and China.