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    NASA Identifies Largest Newly Formed Lunar Crater Named McGetchin

    Section editor: ·Moderate5 articles covering this·5 news sources·Updated 3 hours ago·World
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    Visualization of the McGetchin crater on the Moon, highlighting its size and significance in lunar geology.

    What happened

    NASA scientist Robert Wagner identified the largest newly formed crater on the Moon, named McGetchin, during a routine data analysis.

    The Context

    • Significant discovery: The crater, measuring 728 feet wide and 141 feet deep, formed between April and May 2024, a statistically rare event expected only once every 132 years.
    • Ongoing monitoring: NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has been capturing lunar imagery since 2009, identifying around 1,000 new impact craters, which aids in understanding the Moon's surface changes.
    • Future implications: Findings from this crater will inform lunar science and planning for NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.

    The Number

    728 feet (222 meters)

    —the diameter of the largest newly formed crater identified by LRO, highlighting the rarity of such events and their importance for lunar research.

    Takeaway

    As lunar exploration continues, discoveries like McGetchin will play a crucial role in shaping our understanding of the Moon and preparing for future missions.

    5 Articles
    Engadget

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    Engadget

    NASA's moon orbiter has spotted an impact crater that only happens once a century

    NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has identified a new impact crater on the Moon, measuring 728 feet in diameter, resulting from a rare asteroid collision that occurs approximately once every century. This significant discovery underscores the ongo...

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    The Washington Times

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    The moon’s new crater is 728 feet wide and a once-in-a-century find

    A newly discovered crater on the moon measures 728 feet in diameter, resulting from a space rock impact. This significant event is described as a once-in-a-century find, highlighting the dynamic nature of lunar geology.