Scientists Discover Largest New Impact Crater in the Solar System — on the Moon
Researchers have identified the largest newly discovered impact crater in the solar system on the lunar surface, named after geologist Tom McGetchin.
Scientists have identified what is being described as the largest newly discovered impact crater in the solar system, located on the surface of the Moon.
The crater has been named after Tom McGetchin, a geologist and expert on the lunar surface, in recognition of his contributions to the field.
According to researchers, the crater spans more than the width of two football fields, making it a significant find in terms of scale among recently identified impact features.
Impact craters form when asteroids, comets or other objects collide with a planetary or lunar surface at high speed, leaving behind a depression whose size can offer clues about the size and force of the impacting object.
The discovery adds to the broader scientific understanding of the Moon's geological history, as researchers continue to study its surface for evidence of past impacts and other formative events.
Further research is expected to examine the crater in more detail, potentially offering additional insight into the timing and nature of the impact that created it.
Sources
- Scientists discover largest new impact crater in the solar system ever—on our moon — Scientific American
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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