Key facts
- The McGetchin crater on the Moon measures 222 meters wide and 43 meters deep.
- The crater was discovered by NASA scientist Robert Wagner using data from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
NASA scientist discovers largest new crater on Moon
IN SHORT
A NASA scientist has discovered the largest newly formed crater on the Moon, measuring 222 meters wide and 43 meters deep. The impact event, believed to have been caused by an asteroid or comet the size of a three- to six-story building, is estimated to occur only once every 132 years.
Key Numbers
222 metersMcGetchin crater width
43 metersMcGetchin crater depth
132 yearsfrequency of such impacts
three- to six-storey buildingsize of impact object
Who's Involved
Robert Wagner
NASA scientist who discovered the McGetchin crater
NASA
space agency that operates the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter
Tom McGetchin
pioneer lunar scientist after whom the crater was named
↳ Why This Matters
The discovery of the largest newly formed lunar crater provides scientists with a rare opportunity to study a recent, significant impact event, offering critical data for understanding lunar geology and preparing for future crewed missions to the Moon.