Scientists Discover New Crater on the Moon, Bigger Than the Roman Colosseum, That Was Created in a ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Impact

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1. 1h ago

   NASA Orbiter Finds 222-Metre Moon Crater Formed in 2024

   A NASA spacecraft discovered a new lunar impact crater measuring 222 metres, making it the largest newly formed crater found in the solar system. The feature appeared before spring 2024 and consists of a bright spot surrounded by a dark halo. Scientists describe the event as a once-in-a-century or once-in-a-lifetime impact. The discovery occurred during a routine quality check of a Moon map. The crater is larger than the Roman Colosseum.

   Why it matters

   Tracking new impacts helps astronomers understand the frequency and scale of collisions in the solar system. This specific event provides a rare look at a large-scale impact occurring in modern history.

   What is confirmed

   • A NASA spacecraft discovered a new lunar crater larger than the Roman Colosseum.
   • The crater measures 222 metres.
   • The crater did not exist before spring 2024.
   • The feature is the largest newly formed crater found anywhere in the solar system.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The impact is described as a once-in-a-lifetime event.
   • The impact is described as a once-in-century event.

   What to watch next

   • Analysis of the impactor material to determine its origin
   • Further mapping to identify other recent impacts of similar scale
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. Yahoo — Scientists Discover New Crater on the Moon, Bigger Than the Roman Colosseum, That Was Created in a ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Impact
   2. NASA Science (.gov) — NASA’s Moon Orbiter Spots New, ‘Once-in-Century’ Moon Crater
   3. CBS News — NASA spacecraft discovers moon crater bigger than Roman Colosseum
   4. spacedaily.com — A routine quality check on a Moon map turned up a bright spot ringed by a dark halo, and it marked a 222-metre crater that did not exist before spring 2024, the largest newly formed crater yet found anywhere in the solar system
   5. Sci.News — New Impact Crater Spotted on the Moon
   confidence 100%