222-meter crater discovered on the Moon; see how it formed
Moon crater formed in 2024 is 222 meters wide and reveals the effects of impacts for future lunar bases. Read on Gazeta do Povo.
TL;DR
- A new crater on the Moon, named McGetchin, measures 222 meters in diameter and 43 meters in depth.
- It was formed by an object estimated to be 9 to 21 meters wide, striking the Moon between April 11 and May 22, 2024.
- The discovery was made by comparing images from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) taken before and after the impact.
- The impact released energy equivalent to 15.5 kilotons of TNT, scattering debris over 96 kilometers.
- A 'cold spot' of 6.4 kilometers wide was detected around the crater due to altered regolith retaining less heat.
- The Moon's lack of atmosphere makes it vulnerable to constant impacts, with an estimated 140 new craters of about 9 meters appearing annually.
- The McGetchin crater's size highlights challenges for future lunar bases, as large impacts are difficult to predict and can occur with little warning.