A recent discovery by scientists reveals a massive crater on the moon, larger than the Roman Colosseum, formed by a powerful impact that went unnoticed two years ago. The crater, measuring 222 meters across and up to 43 meters deep, is the most significant impact crater in the solar system created in recent memory.

This rare event, estimated to happen once every 132 years, provides valuable data as NASA plans to establish a lunar base for astronauts. The findings, detailed in two studies published in Science Advances, highlight the significance of this occurrence.

Named after the late Thomas McGetchin, the crater was identified by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) on the moon’s near side in May 2024, following an asteroid or comet fragment impact. The strike, undetected in real-time by Earth-based and space telescopes, was only recognized through LRO’s images in August 2025.

The impact, stretching over 100 kilometers on the lunar surface, expelled dust and rocky soil at unexpected angles, altering the topography. Mark Robinson, the lead author of one of the studies and chief scientist for LRO’s cameras at Intuitive Machines, noted the unique characteristics of the impact.

Further analysis revealed a seven-kilometer-wide cold spot surrounding the crater, indicating a disturbance in the moon’s topsoil. Co-author David Paige from the University of California, Los Angeles, likened this phenomenon to gardening, reshaping the regolith (surface material).

Robinson emphasized the continuous overturning of the moon’s topsoil due to ejected materials, occurring every 80,000 years, faster than previously thought. He dispelled the notion that Apollo moonwalkers’ footprints would endure indefinitely on the moon’s surface.

The focus now shifts to assessing the risk of ejected crater material impacting NASA’s future moon base, guiding engineers in fortifying structures against potential damage. This proactive measure aims to enhance the safety and sustainability of lunar missions.