McGetchin Crater: A Remarkable Lunar Discovery
McGetchin Crater, measuring 728 feet (222 meters) across, is the largest newly formed crater humans have discovered in the solar system. Formed between April 11 and May 22, 2024, it was first spotted by NASA scientist Robert Wagner on October 24, 2025, while reviewing images from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO).
Discovery and significance
The crater is named after Tom McGetchin, a prominent lunar geologist. Its unique characteristics, including a dark pit surrounded by a bright halo of ejecta, were captured by the LRO’s Narrow-Angle Camera on December 5, 2025. This discovery is vital for understanding lunar geology and enhancing models of crater formation.
McGetchin compared to a previously imaged patch of the Moon (2011). Credit: NASA Goddard/Intuitive Machines/Robert Wagner
A once-in-a-century impact
The Moon experiences constant bombardment from space debris, with smaller impacts occurring frequently. However, an impact on the scale of McGetchin is rare, estimated to occur only once every 132 years. The crater significantly exceeds the size of the previous record holder, which was only 230 feet (70 meters) wide.
Geophysical insights
The crater provides important data regarding the “jetting” process, in which vaporized material is expelled at high velocities from the impact site. This can influence how scientists understand the mechanics of lunar impacts and crater formation.
Temperature effects and lunar geology
LRO’s Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment discovered a cold spot 4.3 miles (7 km) wide around McGetchin, indicating the impact’s effect on lunar surface temperatures. The crater’s soil, being less dense, releases heat more rapidly, shaping the lunar environment.
Implications for exploration
The crater presents significant implications for future lunar exploration. The loose soil around new craters poses challenges for rover operations, as demonstrated by Apollo 16 missions. Research teams are hoping to conduct further studies on McGetchin to refine existing models of lunar geology and impact formations.
Conclusion
McGetchin Crater offers a unique opportunity for scientists and future lunar missions to enhance their understanding of the Moon’s geology and the effects of impacts on its surface. As LRO continues to observe changes in this area, additional findings will likely emerge, contributing to our knowledge of lunar exploration and geology.
Brooks Mendenhall, Staff Writer for Astronomy
