space exploration•Fri, September 18, 2026•4 min read

NASA Detects Massive New Moon Crater in 'Once-in-a-Century' Impact

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has identified a newly formed crater on the lunar surface that researchers describe as a once-in-a-century event. The impact, caused by an asteroid or comet, created a massive geological feature larger than the Roman Colosseum. This discovery provides fresh insights into lunar dynamics and the ongoing evolution of the Moon's surface.

A Rare Lunar Discovery

A significant impact event has reshaped a portion of the lunar surface. Data captured by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has unveiled a new, massive crater resulting from a collision with an asteroid or comet. Measuring 728 feet in width and 141 feet in depth, the feature is notably larger than the Roman Colosseum, marking it as a rare occurrence that experts estimate happens only once per century.

An overhead view of the newly discovered crater captured by the LRO.

Understanding the 'Cold Spot' Phenomenon

Beyond its massive size, the crater has intrigued scientists due to the presence of a 'cold spot' that stretches over 4 miles. This thermal anomaly, linked to the 2024 impact, provides a unique data point for researchers studying how such massive collisions affect the lunar regolith. The LRO, which has been orbiting the Moon since 2009, continues to serve as a vital archive for tracking these surface changes.

Crater dimensions: 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep.
Origin: Likely caused by an asteroid or comet impact in 2024.
Thermal impact: Created a 4-mile-long 'cold spot' on the lunar surface.
Frequency: Impacts of this magnitude occur approximately once every 100 years.

The Bigger Picture: Constant Lunar Gardening

While a crater of this scale is a rare spectacle, the Moon is far from static. Recent findings from the LRO suggest that the Moon’s surface is constantly being 'gardened'—a process where the top layer of soil is overturned by micrometeorite weathering and larger impacts. Data indicates this regeneration happens every 80,000 years, a rate over one hundred times faster than previous scientific theories suggested.

This is a reminder that human exploration is less about a heroic single moment and more about a patient accumulation of reliable data, careful analysis, and prudent planning.
— NASA Research Context

Key Takeaways

NASA’s LRO identified a new 728-foot-wide crater on the Moon.
The impact event, occurring in 2024, is considered a once-in-a-century anomaly.
The crater resulted in an unusual 4-mile-long thermal 'cold spot.'
Research shows the lunar surface is 'gardened' and turned over every 80,000 years.
This data helps NASA better understand lunar terrain for future Artemis mission landings.

FAQ

How large is the newly discovered crater?

The crater measures approximately 728 feet in width and 141 feet in depth.

What caused the crater?

Scientists believe the crater was formed by an impact from an asteroid or a comet sometime in 2024.

How often do impacts of this size occur on the Moon?

Significant impacts of this magnitude are estimated to occur approximately once every century.

What is 'lunar gardening'?

Lunar gardening refers to the process where the Moon's uppermost soil layer is continuously churned and overturned due to meteoroid impacts and other weathering processes.