Scientists Discover New Crater on the Moon, Bigger Than the Roman Colosseum, That Was Created in a ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Impact
A SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage crashed into the Moon in 2026 without a disposal plan, creating a new crater bigger than the Roman Colosseum. This impact exposes a major gap in commercial space debris rules. The event follows a previous lunar impact in 2024 that formed a 728-foot-wide crater. Meteor strikes and space debris on the lunar surface continue to pose environmental concerns for planned human and robotic habitats supported by NASA missions and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
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- ✓ A SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage crashed into the Moon in 2026 with no disposal plan, creating a new crater bigger than the Roman Colosseum.
- ✓ A previous lunar impact in 2024 formed a 728-foot-wide crater.
What changed
A SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage crashed into the Moon in 2026 without a disposal plan, creating a new crater.
Live updates
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SpaceX Rocket Punches New Crater Into Moon
A SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage crashed into the Moon in 2026 without a disposal plan, creating a new crater bigger than the Roman Colosseum. This impact exposes a major gap in commercial space debris rules. The event follows a previous lunar impact in 2024 that formed a 728-foot-wide crater. Meteor strikes and space debris on the lunar surface continue to pose environmental concerns for planned human and robotic habitats supported by NASA missions and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
Why it matters
The lunar surface frequently experiences impacts from meteors and comets, which consist of large asteroid fragments or mixtures of ice, dust, and rock. Planned lunar habitats face environmental risks from these impacts, as well as from unregulated commercial space debris. The lack of disposal plans for upper-stage rockets highlights regulatory gaps in deep space activities.
What is confirmed
- A SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage crashed into the Moon in 2026 with no disposal plan, creating a new crater bigger than the Roman Colosseum.
- A previous lunar impact in 2024 formed a 728-foot-wide crater.
What to watch next
- Updates from NASA regarding commercial space debris regulations
- Observations from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter detailing the new impact site
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.nasa.gov — NASA
- en.wikipedia.org — List of impact structures on Earth - Wikipedia
- www.gadgetreview.com — A SpaceX Rocket Just Punched a New Crater Into the Moon
- science.nasa.gov — Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter - NASA Science
- en.wikipedia.org — List of lunar features - Wikipedia
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Scientists Discover Large Crater on Moon
A large crater, bigger than the Roman Colosseum, was created on the Moon in a 'once-in-a-lifetime' impact. This recent event follows another impact in 2024 that formed a 728-foot-wide crater. The lunar surface is prone to meteor strikes, posing environmental concerns for planned lunar habitats.
Why it matters
The Moon's surface is constantly being shaped by meteor impacts, which can have significant effects on the lunar environment. As plans for lunar habitats and exploration advance, understanding and mitigating these impacts is crucial. NASA and other space agencies are monitoring the situation to ensure safety.
What is confirmed
- The Moon orbits Earth at an average distance of 384,399 kilometers.
- The Moon's rotation period is synchronized with its orbital period due to tidal locking.
- Meteor strikes on the Moon pose environmental concerns for planned lunar habitats.
Still unconfirmed
- A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage impacted near Einstein Crater on August 5, 2026.
What to watch next
- Further details on the size and location of the new crater
- Updates on lunar habitat planning and safety measures
- ESA's continued monitoring of lunar craters using artificial intelligence models
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (4)
- en.wikipedia.org — Moon - Wikipedia
- www.independent.co.uk — Lunar surface meteor strikes on minds of Nasa bosses in ...
- www.livenowfox.com — Air and Space | LiveNOW from FOX
- www.esa.int — ESA - Spot the craters
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NASA Discovers 728-Foot Moon Crater Created in 2024
NASA discovered a 728-foot-wide crater on the Moon formed in the spring of 2024 by a space rock possibly as large as a six-story building. The impact gouged a depression spanning roughly two football fields end to end. The event loosened soil for miles across the lunar surface, creating a distinct cold patch around the site. Earth telescopes and lunar orbiters previously tracked a separate SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage impact near Einstein Crater on August 5, 2026, forcing ongoing safety updates for planned lunar habitats.
Why it matters
Large lunar impacts generate wide thermal anomalies by loosening surface material for miles around the depression. These structural alterations present distinct engineering challenges for future crewed habitats and long-term infrastructure. Space agencies continuously monitor both natural asteroid strikes and human-made rocket impacts to safeguard upcoming lunar missions.
What is confirmed
- A space rock possibly as large as a six-story building struck the moon in the spring of 2024, creating a crater 728 feet wide.
- The 2024 moon impact loosened soil for miles, creating a cold patch around the new crater.
- A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage impacted near Einstein Crater on August 5, 2026.
Still unconfirmed
- Similar cold areas may form around every new crater over 100 feet wide on the moon.
What to watch next
- Identification of additional cold patches around lunar craters exceeding 100 feet
- Revisions to lunar habitat safety protocols by engineers managing meteoroid risks
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.earth.com — NASA discovers a new crater on the moon, and this one wasn’t ...
- www.timesfreepress.com — Scientists spot a record-breaking crater on the moon
- www.astrophyzix.com — Astrophyzix Observatory - Live PHA NEO Asteroid Tracking ...
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — asteroid discoveries: Latest News & Videos, Photos about ...
- www.nationalacademies.org — New Report Identifies Four Moon Sites for Crewed Missions to ...
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Lunar Impact Monitoring Continues Following McGetchin Crater Discovery
NASA and international partners continue monitoring the lunar surface after the discovery of McGetchin, a 728-foot-wide crater formed in early 2024. The impact created a depression 141 feet deep and scattered debris for miles, prompting engineers to revise safety protocols for future lunar habitats to protect against meteoroid showers. Recent activity includes the August 5, 2026, impact of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage near Einstein Crater, which was tracked by Earth telescopes and orbiters from NASA and South Korea.
Why it matters
The frequency of large impacts highlights the volatility of the lunar environment. These events force a redesign of lunar base shielding to prevent catastrophic habitat failure.
What is confirmed
- NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter found the McGetchin crater, which measures 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep.
- A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage hit the Moon near Einstein Crater on August 5, 2026.
- NASA, South Korea's Danuri orbiter, and Earth telescopes tracked the Falcon 9 impact.
What to watch next
- Updated engineering specifications for lunar habitat shielding
- Further debris analysis from the McGetchin impact site
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.speedtest.net — Speedtest by Ookla - The Global Broadband Speed Test
- speed-test.io — Internet Speed Test - SpeedTest
- fast.com — Internet Speed Test | Fast.com
- speed.cloudflare.com — Internet Speed Test - Measure Network Performance | Cloudflare
- www.att.com — Internet Speed Test – AT&T Official Site
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Fresh 728-Foot Moon Crater Sparks Base Safety Debates
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter located a 728-foot-wide crater named McGetchin on the lunar surface, formed by an impact in early 2024 that reached 141 feet deep and scattered debris for miles. This massive depression highlights new safety risks for future lunar bases, forcing engineers to reconsider how to protect habitats from sudden meteoroid showers. Meanwhile, a separate impact occurred on August 5, 2026, when a discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage struck the Moon near Einstein Crater, drawing tracking efforts from NASA, South Korea's Danuri orbiter, and Earth telescopes.
Why it matters
The discovery of major lunar scars emphasizes the ongoing hazard of space debris and untracked impacts in the Earth-Moon system. As space agencies plan crewed outposts and permanent bases on the lunar surface, understanding the frequency and force of such strikes is vital for habitat design. The recent collision involving rocket hardware brings renewed scrutiny to space traffic management.
What is confirmed
- NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spotted a 728-foot-wide crater named McGetchin that sliced 141 feet into the lunar surface in early 2024.
- A discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage struck the lunar surface on August 5, 2026, near Einstein Crater.
- NASA, South Korea's Danuri orbiter, and Earth-based telescopes tracked the August 2026 impact.
Still unconfirmed
- Queen's guitarist Brian May played an important role in NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission and transformed 157 acres of land into a haven for trees and animals.
What to watch next
- Further analysis of debris and chemical clues from the August 2026 rocket impact by scientists
- Updates from space agencies regarding new shielding protocols or site planning for future lunar bases
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- stardate.org — New Crater: October 13, 2026 — StarDate Online
- nishadil.com — New 728‑foot Moon Crater Highlights Risks for Future Lunar Bases
- economictimes.indiatimes.com — asteroid impacts: Latest News & Videos, Photos about asteroid ...
- en.parapolitika.gr — SpaceX rocket crashes into the Moon, creating a new crater
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NASA Discovers Giant New Crater on the Moon
NASA scientists identified a massive new lunar impact crater that spans 728 feet across and reaches up to 43 meters deep. Larger than the Roman Colosseum, the scar is the largest newly formed impact crater discovered in the solar system. The depression remained hidden for over a year after forming from a space rock impact in 2024. Researchers detected the feature by comparing orbital photographs taken using two different camera types.
Why it matters
The discovery of the crater, named McGetchin, raises safety concerns regarding flying debris and potential hazards for astronauts residing in future lunar bases. The space rock responsible for the scar is estimated to be between three and six stories tall. This event marks the largest crater identified since observations began in 2009.
What is confirmed
- A fresh lunar crater measuring 728 feet across and up to 43 meters deep was identified by NASA scientists.
- The impact occurred between April 11 and May 22, 2024, and the crater went unnoticed for over a year.
- The feature is the largest newly formed impact crater found in the solar system and is larger than the Roman Colosseum.
- The scar was carved by a space rock estimated to be three to six stories tall.
Still unconfirmed
- Some reports characterize the underlying event as a once-in-a-century occurrence.
What to watch next
- Assessments of future lunar base locations and safety protocols regarding impact hazards
- Further analysis of orbital photographic data from NASA missions
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- globalpost.com — Lunar Scars - GlobalPost
- www.vice.com — A Massive New Moon Crater Is Raising Questions About Future ...
- therussianpress.com — "Moon's Massive Crater Uncovered: Key for NASA's Lunar Base ...
- www.wionews.com — ‘Once-in-a-century’ event? NASA finds giant new crater on ...
- www.nabamart.com — Nabamart: After 17 months of hiding, a huge lunar crater ...
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No New Developments Reported on Lunar Impact Crater McGetchin
No new information or updates regarding the newly discovered lunar impact crater McGetchin appear in the latest source material. Researchers previously identified the 728-foot-wide crater, which is the largest newly formed impact crater found in the solar system. Formed by an impact between April 11 and May 22, 2024, the scar was carved by a space rock estimated to be three to six stories tall. Scientists detected the feature after more than a year by comparing lunar photographs taken from orbit using two different camera types.
Why it matters
The discovery of the McGetchin crater highlights the ongoing monitoring of the lunar surface through orbital photography. Comparing images from different camera types allows researchers to detect significant physical changes that would otherwise go unnoticed for extended periods. This event provides rare data regarding the frequency and scale of large impacts occurring within the solar system.
What to watch next
- Further orbital imaging analysis of the McGetchin crater site
- Additional scientific publications detailing the impact mechanics of the space rock
confidence 0%Sources used for this update (5)
- github.com — nocache/README at master · Feh/nocache · GitHub
- developer.mozilla.org — Cache-Control header - HTTP | MDN - MDN Web Docs
- www.tek-tips.com — What does NOCACHE do? - Tek-Tips
- learn.microsoft.com — CacheControlHeaderValue.NoCache Property (System.Net.Http.Headers...
- www.geeksforgeeks.org — Disable Browser Caching with Meta HTML Tags - GeeksforGeeks
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New Lunar Crater Discovered
Researchers identified a massive new impact crater on the Moon named McGetchin, measuring 728 feet wide and created by an impact between April 11 and May 22, 2024. Spanning about the length of two football fields, the feature ranks as the largest newly formed impact crater discovered anywhere in the solar system. A space rock estimated at three to six stories tall carved the scar. The scar went unnoticed for over a year before scientists spotted it by comparing lunar photographs from two different camera types from orbit.
Why it matters
Human civilization relies on the quest to understand nature, utilizing the scientific method to advance knowledge from the smallest particles to the vastness of the universe. While classical antiquity featured natural philosophers rather than modern scientists, the continuous use of research tools helps experts track cosmic events. The term scientist itself originated in the 19th century.
What is confirmed
- William Whewell coined the term scientist in the 19th century to describe Mary Somerville.
- Thales is arguably the first scientist for describing how cosmic events may be seen as natural rather than caused by gods.
What to watch next
- Further publications detailing discoveries by historical and living scientists.
confidence 50%Sources used for this update (7)
- www.biography.com — 22 Famous Scientists: Their Crucial Contributions and Discoveries
- www.sciencenewstoday.org — 15 Most Important Scientists in World History
- en.wikipedia.org — Scientist - Wikipedia
- www.discoverwalks.com — 65 Most Amazing Scientists who are still Alive Today
- www.weareteachers.com — 34 Famous Scientists Everyone Should Know - WeAreTeachers
- en.wikipedia.org — Lists of scientists - Wikipedia
- www.thefamouspeople.com — Famous Scientists - Biographies of World Famous Scientists
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Scientists Date New Lunar Crater McGetchin to 2024
Researchers have identified a massive new impact crater on the Moon named McGetchin, measuring 728 feet wide and created by an impact between April 11 and May 22, 2024. The feature spans about the length of two football fields and ranks as the largest newly formed impact crater discovered anywhere in the solar system. A space rock estimated at three to six stories tall carved the scar, which went unnoticed for over a year before scientists spotted it by comparing lunar photographs from two different camera types from orbit.
Why it matters
The formation of the McGetchin crater disturbed the lunar surface more than three kilometers away and created a four-mile cold zone. Scientists calculate the odds of an impact of this magnitude at roughly once a century or rarer, carrying significant implications for planning future lunar missions.
What is confirmed
- The McGetchin crater on the Moon is 728 feet wide.
- The crater is the largest newly formed impact crater ever identified in the solar system.
- The impact occurred between April 11, 2024, and May 22, 2024.
- The creating space rock was estimated at three to six stories tall.
What to watch next
- Further analysis of the four-mile cold zone surrounding the crater to assess hazards for future lunar missions.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.youtube.com — A Massive New Crater Just Appeared on the Moon
- morningoverview.com — A 728-foot hole opened on the Moon between April and May of ...
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New Lunar Crater Named McGetchin Discovered by NASA
NASA discovered a massive new crater on the Moon named McGetchin, created by a rare impact in 2024. The feature spans 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep, making it the largest newly formed crater ever found in the solar system. Researchers spotted the scar from orbit by comparing years of lunar photographs from two different camera types after the event went unnoticed for over a year. UCLA researchers report the impact disturbed the lunar surface more than 3 kilometers away and formed a 4-mile cold zone with implications for future lunar missions.
Why it matters
The discovery highlights the ongoing risks and physical transformations occurring on planetary bodies from space debris. Finding a crater of this magnitude provides researchers with fresh data regarding impact mechanics and surface alterations on airless worlds. Understanding these lunar disruptions aids mission planners as humanity prepares for extended exploration and infrastructure development on the Moon.
What is confirmed
- NASA discovered a new crater on the Moon named McGetchin.
- The impact that formed McGetchin occurred in 2024.
- The crater measures 222 meters, or 728 feet, in diameter.
- The crater is about 43 meters, or 141 feet, deep.
What to watch next
- Further analysis of the 4-mile cold zone by UCLA researchers to determine exact impacts on future lunar missions
- Additional imaging of the impact site from lunar orbit to study surface recovery
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.theweather.com — NASA discovers massive new crater on the Moon ... - Meteored
- bpastro.org — Scientists Spot a New Crater on the Moon – Battle Point ...
- www.techno-science.net — A rare impact has carved a 222-meter crater on the Moon
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NASA Discovers Largest New Moon Crater Formed in 2024
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter discovered a massive new impact crater on the Moon, named McGetchin. The feature measures 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep, making it the largest newly formed crater ever found in the solar system. The impact occurred in 2024 and went unnoticed for over a year before researchers spotted it by comparing years of lunar photographs from two different types of cameras. UCLA researchers report the impact disturbed the moon's surface more than 3 kilometers away and left a 4-mile cold zone that holds implications for future lunar missions.
Why it matters
The massive impact event highlights the persistent hazards and dynamic nature of the lunar surface. Instruments orbiting the Moon and Mars continue to yield unexpected discoveries that reshape our understanding of space weather and planetary geology. Stony Brook University Geosciences Chair Timothy Glotch notes that the finding increases the value of enduring instruments monitoring space.
What is confirmed
- NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter discovered a new crater named McGetchin that formed on the Moon in 2024.
- The crater measures 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep, making it the largest newly formed crater found in the solar system.
- The impact disturbed the moon's surface more than 3 kilometers from the crater and left a 4-mile cold zone.
- NASA discovered the crater by comparing years of lunar photographs taken by an ultra-wide-angle and mega-telephoto setup over 14 years.
Still unconfirmed
- The Moon experienced a violent encounter specifically with a comet or an asteroid.
What to watch next
- Further analysis from Artemis lunar surface science team members regarding the impact's implications for future exploration.
- Additional data on how the 4-mile cold zone affects planned lunar missions.
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (12)
- www.astronomy.com — Scientists spot a new crater on the Moon
- scitechdaily.com — Once-in-a-Century Impact: NASA Just Found a Massive New ...
- newsroom.ucla.edu — UCLA scientists study rare new lunar crater and its impact on ...
- www.natureworldnews.com — A Moon Crater Wider Than Two Football Fields Went Unnoticed ...
- www.news8000.com — Lunar orbiter spots ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ new crater on the moon
- science.nasa.gov — APOD: 2026 September 23 - A New Lunar Crater: McGetchin ...
- www.digitalcameraworld.com — NASA discovered the “once in a century” Moon crater by ...
- www.ecoportal.net — NASA identified fresh lunar impact crater 141 feet deep with ...
- www.natureworldnews.com — NASA Lunar Orbiter Finds a 728-Foot Crater That Formed in ...
- tbrnewsmedia.com — SBU Geology Chair Timothy Glotch discusses new, rare lunar ...
- scienceofficial.org — NASA's Lunar Orbiter Spots Largest Fresh Crater on the Moon
- www.thedailystar.net — NASA scan discovers new, 'once in a century' Moon crater
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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
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- Yahoo — Scientists Discover New Crater on the Moon, Bigger Than the Roman Colosseum, That Was Created in a ‘Once-in-a-Lifetime’ Impact
- NASA Science (.gov) — NASA’s Moon Orbiter Spots New, ‘Once-in-Century’ Moon Crater
- CBS News — NASA spacecraft discovers moon crater bigger than Roman Colosseum
- 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
- Sci.News — New Impact Crater Spotted on the Moon
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