What a Massive New Crater Means for Future Moon Bases
NASA has selected SpaceX, Blue Origin and six other firms to compete for up to $10 billion in contracts to build a permanent Moon base. Work between NASA and SpaceX to prepare the lunar outpost is already underway, following a formal news conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Meanwhile, new research reveals that the moon is experiencing a gradual shrinkage caused by the cooling of its interior. This process creates numerous faults on the lunar surface, posing significant challenges and risks for future lunar bases and exploration.
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- β NASA has selected SpaceX, Blue Origin and six other firms to compete for up to $10 billion in contracts to build a permanent Moon base.
- β A formal Moon Base news conference took place at 5 p.m. EST on November 7, 2026, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as part of the MAX POWER aerospace expo.
- β Work between NASA and SpaceX to prepare a permanent lunar outpost is already underway.
- β New research reveals the moon is experiencing a gradual shrinkage caused by the cooling of its interior.
What changed
NASA unveiled a $10 billion moon base contract competition involving SpaceX, Blue Origin, and six other firms as work on the lunar outpost moves forward.
Live updates
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NASA Advances Lunar Base Contracts as Shrinking Moon Poses Risks
NASA has selected SpaceX, Blue Origin and six other firms to compete for up to $10 billion in contracts to build a permanent Moon base. Work between NASA and SpaceX to prepare the lunar outpost is already underway, following a formal news conference at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Meanwhile, new research reveals that the moon is experiencing a gradual shrinkage caused by the cooling of its interior. This process creates numerous faults on the lunar surface, posing significant challenges and risks for future lunar bases and exploration.
Why it matters
Establishing a permanent human outpost near the lunar south pole requires navigating extreme environmental conditions, including permanently shadowed craters with hidden ice reserves. Future infrastructure must also contend with physical disruptions from a gradually shrinking moon that forms surface faults. NASA previously laid out plans to establish a lunar base by 2032, backed by contracted landers and newly revealed rover technology.
What is confirmed
- NASA has selected SpaceX, Blue Origin and six other firms to compete for up to $10 billion in contracts to build a permanent Moon base.
- A formal Moon Base news conference took place at 5 p.m. EST on November 7, 2026, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center as part of the MAX POWER aerospace expo.
- Work between NASA and SpaceX to prepare a permanent lunar outpost is already underway.
- New research reveals the moon is experiencing a gradual shrinkage caused by the cooling of its interior.
- The gradual shrinkage of the moon leads to the formation of numerous faults on its surface, posing significant risks for future lunar bases.
- NASA revealed a new lunar rover named PROMISE during a press event, scheduled to launch to the moon in 2028.
What to watch next
- Awarding of the final contracts from the $10 billion pool to specific aerospace companies
- Further data on how lunar surface faults intersect with planned south pole landing sites
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (12)
- www.scientificamerican.com β NASA reveals new lunar rover, PROMISE, to launch to moon in 2028
- nypost.com β NASA unveils $10B Moon base contract as SpaceX, Blue Origin ...
- www.basenor.com β NASA and SpaceX Are Building a Moon Base β Here's Where ...
- soracapabilities.com β Moon shrinking effects: Worst consequences for future bases
- apps.senate.virginia.gov β Senate Members - Virginia
- en.wikipedia.org β Virginia Senate - Wikipedia
- vga.virginia.gov β Senate β Virginia General Assembly
- en.wikipedia.org β Robert Byrd - Wikipedia
- simple.wikipedia.org β Virginia Senate - Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- www.senate.gov β U.S. Senate: Longest-Serving Senators
- vga.virginia.gov β About the Senate β Virginia General Assembly
- thecandidate.com β Virginia State Senate | The Candidate
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Lunar South Pole Ice Could Anchor Future Moon Bases
Hidden ice reserves inside permanently shadowed craters near the lunar south pole could serve as essential resources for upcoming human habitation. NASA identifies the lunar south pole as a region of extreme conditions that provides exceptional opportunities for scientific research, exploration, and sustainable human outposts. Meanwhile, previous planning indicates that NASA intends to establish a lunar base by 2032, with four landers contracted across three companies to launch in 2028. These operations must contend with environmental hazards, including a 728-foot-wide impact crater formed in 2024 and another crater generated by a SpaceX rocket in 2026.
Why it matters
Earth and the Moon are bound by gravitational forces that create tidal locking, meaning the Moon always presents the same near side to Earth while completing an orbit every 29.5 days at an average distance of 384,399 kilometers. Utilizing local resources like water ice will be critical for sustaining long-term missions in this extreme environment. However, infrastructure plans face constant risks from ongoing meteoroid impacts and space debris.
What is confirmed
- Ice hidden in permanently shadowed craters near the Moon's south pole could become the most valuable local resource for future bases.
- NASA characterizes the Lunar South Pole region as an environment of extremes offering unique opportunities for scientific discovery, exploration, and an enduring human presence.
Still unconfirmed
- NASA's 2032 target for establishing a Moon base remains feasible despite recent impact crater formations.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of resource extraction methods for south pole ice
- Progress updates on the 2028 commercial moon lander launches
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- en.wikipedia.org β Moon - Wikipedia
- www.nasa.gov β The Lunar South Pole Region - NASA
- monthjournal.com β Lunar South Pole Ice Could Anchor Future Moon Bases
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NASA Moon Base Plans Face Lunar Crater and Debris Risks
NASA's plan to establish a Moon base by 2032 faces challenges from lunar meteor strikes and space debris. A massive 728-foot-wide impact crater formed in 2024 and a SpaceX rocket created another crater in 2026. Three companies have been chosen for four moon landers to launch in 2028.
Why it matters
The Moon base project requires addressing hazardous environmental factors, including meteor strikes and space debris. The 2024 asteroid strike and 2026 SpaceX rocket crash highlight the extreme surface vulnerabilities that future human outposts will face. Selecting a safe location for the base is crucial.
What is confirmed
- Three companies, Astrobotic, Firefly Aerospace and Intuitive Machines, have been chosen for four moon landers to launch to the moon in 2028.
- A SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage crashed into the Moon in 2026 with no disposal plan.
- A massive 728-foot-wide impact crater was left by a 2024 asteroid strike.
Still unconfirmed
- Nuclear reactors could revolutionise moon exploration, providing energy for bases and mining.
What to watch next
- NASA's final selection of a Moon base location
- Launch of the 2028 moon landers
- Development of commercial space debris rules
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- mynews13.com β NASA gives updates on moon base missions
- lancasteronline.com β To the moon and Mars, with eyes wide open β the possibilities of exploring the cosmos [column]
- www.gadgetreview.com β A SpaceX Rocket Just Punched a New Crater Into the Moon
- www.nasa.gov β Moon Base - NASA
- www.aljazeera.com β Why are US, Russia and China racing to put nuclear reactors ...
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NASA Advances Moon Base Plans Amid Meteor Threats
NASA is evaluating the dangers of lunar meteor strikes as the agency prepares to establish a Moon base by 2032. Planners must address these hazardous environmental factors when selecting a location for the upcoming outpost. This operational reevaluation follows the discovery of a massive 728-foot-wide impact crater left by a 2024 asteroid strike. The destructive event exposed the brutal reality of space rocks and highlighted the extreme surface vulnerabilities that future human outposts will face.
Why it matters
NASA works with leaders in lunar surface technology development to keep the United States at the forefront of exploration. Agency leadership faces external pressures regarding the lunar timeline, with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman noting the stakes during an Artemis III update news conference. Meanwhile, scientific panels continue to evaluate potential landing sites for upcoming crewed missions.
What is confirmed
- NASA is working with leaders in lunar surface technology development to keep the United States at the forefront of lunar exploration.
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman delivered Artemis III updates during a news conference at the KSC Press Site.
Still unconfirmed
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that if China beats the United States to the moon, he will be fired.
What to watch next
- Official announcements regarding the final location selected for the crewed Moon base and landing sites.
- Further updates from NASA leadership on the 2032 Moon base timeline and technological developments.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.cnn.com β Breaking News, Latest News and Videos | CNN
- www.nasa.gov β Lunar Surface Technology
- 2.boredpanda.com β 42 People Share Things They Saw In Someoneβs House That Made Them Leave | Bored Panda
- www.aol.com β Exclusive: NASA chief says if China beats us to moon, 'I'll be fired'
- www.sciencedaily.com β Mercury News -- ScienceDaily
- today.ucsd.edu β Weβre Going Back to the Moon! Hereβs Where We Might Land
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NASA Reevaluates Moon Base Plans After Major Crater Discovery
Nasa is heavily weighing the danger of lunar meteor strikes as the agency advances plans to establish a Moon base by 2032. Planners must account for potentially hazardous environmental factors when selecting a location for the upcoming outpost. This operational reevaluation follows the discovery of a massive 728-foot-wide impact crater left by a 2024 asteroid strike. The destructive event exposed the brutal reality of space rocks and highlighted the extreme surface vulnerabilities that future human outposts will face.
Why it matters
Meteor strikes and flying debris threaten the hardware and personnel required for long-term lunar habitation near the South Pole. Planners previously tracked the aftermath of the 2024 impact using NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which mapped a cold patch and disturbed ground stretching over 62 miles. These risks have pushed space architects to consider natural subsurface options like lava tubes for protection.
What is confirmed
- Nasa boss Jared Isaacman states the agency is giving a lot of thought to lunar meteor strikes while pushing ahead with ambitious Moon base plans.
- A 2024 asteroid impact left a crater 728 feet wide on the lunar surface.
- Planners state that potentially hazardous environmental factors must be taken into account when establishing a lunar outpost.
Still unconfirmed
- The NASA Moon base is specifically targeted for completion by the year 2032.
What to watch next
- Official NASA announcements regarding design changes for the 2032 lunar outpost
- Decisions on utilizing subsurface lava tubes for astronaut shelter
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.nasa.gov β Artemis News and Articles - NASA
- www.vice.com β astronomy Archives - VICE
- www.mirror.co.uk β Lunar meteor strikes pose huge risk to 2032 NASA Moon base ...
- storage.njcleanenergy.com β Why Nasa Moon Base Plans Face A Brutal Reality Check From ...
- www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk β Lunar surface meteor strikes on minds of Nasa bosses in ...
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Massive Crater Forces Rethink of Lunar Bases
A massive impact crater measuring 728 feet wide has heightened concerns over flying debris and surface vulnerabilities for future lunar outposts. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter traced the aftermath of the impact, which occurred in the spring of 2024 and disturbed ground more than 62 miles away. The event loosened soil across a large area, creating a cold patch that highlights the destructive force of space impacts. Consequently, space planners are prioritizing natural subsurface shelters, such as lava tubes, to protect personnel and hardware during long-term habitation efforts near the Moon's South Pole.
Why it matters
Establishing humanity's first lunar outpost requires enduring infrastructure designed to withstand environmental hazards on the lunar surface. The discovery of the 728-foot crater demonstrates the severe risks posed by high-velocity debris impacts during long-term habitation missions. To mitigate these risks, agencies like NASA are investigating features like the Marius Hills Pit to determine if they connect to underground lava tubes.
What is confirmed
- A 728-foot-wide Moon crater formed in the spring of 2024.
- NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter traced debris from the impact more than 62 miles away.
- The impact loosened soil for miles, creating a cold patch.
Still unconfirmed
- A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage crashed into the Moon to form a new crater.
- A space rock possibly as large as a six-story building created the 728-foot crater.
What to watch next
- Results from the GIMLI mission investigating the Marius Hills Pit and underground lava tubes.
- Further findings on cold patches forming around new lunar craters over 100 feet wide.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- en.parapolitika.gr β SpaceX rocket crashes into the Moon, creating a new crater
- www.ecoticias.com β NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spotted a new Moon crater ...
- www.earth.com β NASA discovers a new crater on the moon, and this one wasnβt ...
- www.timesfreepress.com β Scientists spot a record-breaking crater on the moon
- www.nasa.gov β Moon Base - NASA
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Lunar Base Planning Shifts to Underground Lava Tubes
NASA deploys the GIMLI mission to investigate the Marius Hills Pit and determine if it connects to an underground lava tube. This investigation follows the discovery of a newly formed lunar crater measuring 728 feet across. The massive impact exposes surface vulnerabilities and the ongoing danger of flying debris on the Moon. Consequently, space planners are prioritizing natural subsurface shelters to protect future personnel and hardware from catastrophic impacts during long-term lunar habitation efforts.
Why it matters
Surface impacts from space debris pose a severe hazard to unshielded human habitats on the Moon. Identifying stable subterranean structures allows space agencies to bypass the heavy logistical burden of hauling surface shielding materials from Earth.
What is confirmed
- NASA is deploying the GIMLI mission to investigate the Marius Hills Pit.
- A newly formed lunar crater measures 728 feet across.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of whether the Marius Hills Pit leads to a viable underground lava tube.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- theconversation.com β What we talk about when we talk about US strategic βcredibilityβ β from Vietnam to Iran
- briankeating.com β Are UFOs Alien Tech? Avi Loeb vs Michael Shermer - BRIANKEATING
- impactnews-wire.com β Japanβs Long Road Back to Mars
- www.massive.se β Games - Massive Entertainment
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NASA targets lunar caves for shelter after massive new crater discovery
NASA is deploying the GIMLI mission to investigate the Marius Hills Pit to determine if it leads to an underground lava tube capable of sheltering astronauts. This search for subsurface protection follows the discovery of a new lunar crater measuring 728 feet across, the largest newly formed impact in the solar system. The 2024 impact highlights the risk of flying debris and surface vulnerability for future lunar bases, prompting a shift toward identifying natural underground shelters to protect personnel from similar events.
Why it matters
Future lunar infrastructure must withstand constant impact threats and extreme environments. While projects like Blue Origin's solar tower focus on surface assets, NASA is prioritizing subterranean options to ensure astronaut safety.
What is confirmed
- A new lunar crater measuring 728 feet across formed after a space-rock impact in 2024.
- The 2024 impact is the largest newly formed crater found in the solar system.
- NASA's GIMLI mission will use radar, seismic, and gravity measurements to investigate the Marius Hills Pit.
- GIMLI aims to determine if the Marius Hills Pit opens into an underground lava tube.
Still unconfirmed
- The impact was a once-in-a-century event.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of whether the Marius Hills Pit connects to a wider lava tube network.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- tech.yahoo.com β NASA plans radar and seismic tests for a hidden lunar cave that could shelter future astronauts
- www.vice.com β A Massive New Moon Crater Is Raising Questions About Future ...
- flipboard.com β Betelgeuse has a companion star β so why hasn't Hubble been able to see it? Astronomers may finally hav....
- therussianpress.com β "Moon's Massive Crater Uncovered: Key for NASA's Lunar Base ...
- www.wionews.com β βOnce-in-a-centuryβ event? NASA finds giant new crater on ...
- stardate.org β New Crater: October 13, 2026 β StarDate Online
- earthsky.org β Caves on the moon are target of new NASA mission
- www.bbc.co.uk β Space News: Could a Moon crater be a future astronaut base ...
- darksciencedocs.substack.com β The Moon Was Hit. The Damage Reached 140 Kilometers.
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NASA Confirms Large New Crater on Moon
NASA confirmed a 730 feet wide crater, the largest newly formed impact in the solar system, highlighting the moon's surface vulnerability. This discovery coincides with efforts to identify potential shelters for future lunar bases, including lava tubes and proposed infrastructure like Blue Origin's 65 foot solar tower.
Why it matters
The moon's surface is being studied for future human settlements. NASA and other space agencies are planning for lunar bases, which would require protected shelters from meteorite impacts and harsh surface conditions. The McGetchin crater and potential lava tubes are being researched for their implications on lunar base development.
What is confirmed
- The McGetchin crater measures 730 feet wide.
- The crater is the largest newly formed impact in the solar system since observations began in 2009.
- Blue Origin proposed a 65 foot solar tower for future lunar surface operations.
Still unconfirmed
- The Marius Hill Pit may lead to a vast underground cave.
What to watch next
- Further research on the McGetchin crater's formation and implications
- Development of lunar base infrastructure, including lava tube exploration
- Updates on NASA's phased plan for a permanent lunar base
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- article.wn.com β What a massive new crater means for future moon bases
- globalpost.com β Lunar Scars - GlobalPost
- www.newsweek.com β America to Establish Permanent Moon Base: What It Could Look Like
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NASA Identifies McGetchin Crater and Explores Lunar Cave Potential
NASA confirmed the McGetchin crater measures 730 feet wide, marking the largest newly formed impact in the solar system. This discovery coincides with the GIMLI project's mission to determine if the Marius Hill Pit leads to a vast underground cave. While the McGetchin impact highlights surface vulnerability, potential lava tubes could offer astronauts protected shelters. Simultaneously, Blue Origin has proposed a 65-foot solar tower to provide the infrastructure necessary for these future surface operations.
Why it matters
The 2024 impact that created McGetchin involved an asteroid the size of a six-story building. Finding secure habitats is critical because surface bases remain exposed to such rare but destructive events. Underground voids could solve this safety issue while revealing the Moon's volcanic history.
What is confirmed
- The McGetchin crater is 730 feet wide.
- The GIMLI project will use radar, seismic sensors, gravity measurements, and cameras to investigate the Marius Hill Pit.
- Blue Origin designed a 65-foot solar tower to power future Moon bases.
Still unconfirmed
- The Marius Hill Pit may open into a giant cave or lava tube.
What to watch next
- GIMLI project results regarding the size of the Marius Hill void
- Deployment plans for Blue Origin solar towers
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.thedailystar.net β NASA scan discovers new, 'once in a century' Moon crater
- www.youtube.com β A Massive New Crater Just Appeared on the Moon
- www.techspot.com β Blue Origin reveals 65-foot solar tower designed to power future bases on the Moon
- www.sciencedaily.com β This mysterious hole on the Moon may open into a giant cave
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Massive 728-Foot Crater Discovered on Moon's Eastern Limb
A massive impact crater, named McGetchin, measuring 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep, was formed by a rare impact in 2024 involving an asteroid the size of a six-story building. This find represents the largest newly formed impact crater ever recorded in the solar system. The discovery raises concerns about the safety and sustainability of future moon bases.
Why it matters
The moon's surface is constantly being bombarded by asteroids and comets, and the formation of a large crater in 2024 highlights the risks associated with establishing a human presence on the lunar surface. NASA and other space agencies are planning to return humans to the moon in the coming years, with the goal of establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. The discovery of the McGetchin crater provides valuable insights into the moon's geology and the potential hazards that future moon bases may face.
What is confirmed
- The crater measures 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep.
- The crater was formed by a rare impact in 2024 involving an asteroid the size of a six-story building.
- This find represents the largest newly formed impact crater ever recorded in the solar system.
What to watch next
- NASA's plans for returning humans to the moon
- Further research on the McGetchin crater and its implications for lunar geology
- Development of strategies for mitigating asteroid impacts on future moon bases
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.nasa.gov β Moon Base - NASA
- zeli.app β NASA Finds a 728-Foot Crater on the Moon Β· Hacker News | Zeli
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Massive Moon Crater Discovery Impacts Future Lunar Base Planning
A massive new impact crater, named McGetchin, has been discovered on the moon's eastern limb. The crater, measuring 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep, was formed by a rare impact in 2024 involving an asteroid the size of a six-story building. This find represents the largest newly formed impact crater ever recorded in the solar system.
Why it matters
The discovery of the McGetchin crater has significant implications for future lunar base planning and scientific understanding of surface remodeling. The crater's formation disturbed the lunar surface more than 3 kilometers away from the impact site. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter detected the crater, providing valuable insights into the moon's geological activity.
What is confirmed
- The McGetchin crater measures 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep.
- The crater was formed by an asteroid the size of a six-story building in 2024.
- The impact disturbed the lunar surface more than 3 kilometers away from the impact site.
- This is the largest newly formed impact crater ever recorded in the solar system.
Still unconfirmed
- Leaked footage allegedly shows a mile-long ship entering a lunar crater, but its authenticity is unverified.
What to watch next
- Further analysis of the McGetchin crater's formation and its implications for lunar base planning.
- Verification of the leaked footage showing a ship entering a lunar crater.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
- usemassive.com β Massive | Hyper-relevant roles at the most exciting companies
- massive.ucsd.edu β Welcome to MassIVE
- dictionary.cambridge.org β MASSIVE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary
- massive.com β Stock Market API | Massive
- massive.vc β Massive VC
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- eraoflight.com β Craft Entering Moon Crater β Era of Light
- dictionary.cambridge.org β MASSIVE | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
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NASA Spots Massive New Lunar Crater Named McGetchin
NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has discovered a massive new impact crater on the moon named McGetchin, located on the lunar eastern limb. Formed by a rare impact in 2024 involving an asteroid the size of a six-story building, the newly identified scar measures 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep. UCLA researchers note that the powerful event disturbed the lunar surface more than 3 kilometers away from the impact site. This find represents the largest newly formed impact crater ever recorded in the solar system, reshaping scientific understanding of surface remodelling and future lunar base planning.
Why it matters
The discovery of the McGetchin crater highlights the ongoing risks and physical transformations occurring on the lunar surface from asteroid impacts. As space agencies and private entities pursue lunar exploration and potential base building, understanding the frequency and severity of such impacts is critical. The event also coincides with renewed international interest and geopolitical debates regarding lunar resources and territorial claims.
What is confirmed
- NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter uncovered a 728-foot-wide crater that formed on the Moon in 2024.
- The McGetchin crater measures 141 feet deep.
- The impact that formed the crater occurred on the Moon's eastern limb.
- UCLA research shows the impact disturbed the moon's surface more than 3 kilometers from the crater.
Still unconfirmed
- Former US President Donald Trump claimed that the Moon belongs to the United States.
What to watch next
- Further scientific analysis from UCLA and NASA regarding how the impact remodels the lunar surface
- Developments in international legal frameworks governing lunar exploration and resource mining
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (15)
- www.nytimes.com β Todayβs Paper
- CNN β Lunar orbiter spots βonce-in-a-lifetimeβ new crater on the moon
- The New York Times β What a Massive New Crater Means for Future Moon Bases
- NASA Science (.gov) β APOD: 2026 September 23 - A New Lunar Crater: McGetchin
- Scientific American β Scientists discover largest new impact crater in the solar system everβon our moon
- The Planetary Society β Amoebas and anniversaries
- scitechdaily.com β Once-in-a-Century Impact: NASA Just Found a Massive New ...
- newsroom.ucla.edu β UCLA scientists study rare new lunar crater and its impact on ...
- www.thetechedvocate.org β No country owns the Moon β not even the US, despite Trumpβs claim. Whether it can be mined is another matter
- www.ecoportal.net β NASA identified fresh lunar impact crater 141 feet deep with ...
- www.natureworldnews.com β NASA Lunar Orbiter Finds a 728-Foot Crater That Formed in ...
- news.quantosei.com β McGetchin Crater Discovery: Why This New Moon Scar Matters
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