NASA Discovers Rare Once-in-a-Century Lunar Crater Larger Than Roman Colosseum

Researchers have identified a massive new crater on the Moon that scientists characterize as a once-in-a-century occurrence. According to reporting by France 24, the newly discovered feature spans 730 feet, or 222 meters, in width, making it larger than the Roman Colosseum.

NASA detailed the discovery in a recent blog post, indicating that the impact likely took place in the spring of 2024. Experts assess that the collision was caused by an asteroid or comet comparable in size to a building standing three to six stories tall.

Because impacts of this scale are statistically unusual, scientists have described the event as exceptionally rare. In a blog post cited by France 24, NASA noted that an impact of this magnitude is estimated to occur on the lunar surface approximately once every century or even longer.

Researchers further refined this timeline, estimating that such large-scale events happen roughly once every 132 years. This rarity provides valuable research opportunities as space agencies work toward establishing astronaut bases on the Moon.

Details of the find were published Wednesday in two separate studies appearing in the journal Science Advances. In their findings, the researchers described the discovery as a statistically rare and effectively once-in-a-lifetime observation for the scientific community.

Despite forming roughly two years ago, the crater went unnoticed until recently. Robert Wagner, a researcher working with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, spotted the feature while reviewing a newly acquired scan of the lunar terrain.

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, a probe that has actively studied the Moon since 2009, captured imagery showing the site as a prominent bright spot surrounded by a dark halo. Data analyzed in the Science Advances studies also indicated it is the largest new crater discovered to date in the solar system.

While the lunar surface is heavily cratered with many formations far larger than this new addition, observing the aftermath of such a recent impact offers unique insights. Studying a freshly formed crater in near real time helps researchers better understand lunar geology and surface processes.

This geological understanding holds practical value for upcoming space exploration initiatives. Both the United States and China currently have plans for crewed missions to the Moon, making terrain and impact data increasingly vital for mission planning.

Unlike Earth, the Moon lacks a substantial atmosphere. Without this protective atmospheric layer, incoming space debris cannot burn up or decelerate before striking the lunar surface, leaving it fully exposed to high-velocity impacts.

France 24 reported that the findings were compiled with contributions from news agencies including the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. The discovery highlights ongoing efforts to monitor changes on the lunar surface as international interest in crewed space exploration continues to grow.