A. A new volcano
B. A large impact crater
C. A frozen lake
D. A giant underground cave
NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter helped scientists identify a large impact crater on the Moon that was created in 2024 but was only recognized in detail later. The crater is about 222 metres wide and up to 43 metres deep, making it an unusually large recent lunar impact.
The discovery provides scientists with valuable information about how asteroid or comet fragments affect the lunar surface. Such impacts also help researchers understand the changing lunar landscape and potential risks for future lunar missions.