Scientists using NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) have discovered a new impact crater on the moon called McGetchin, which is more than 700 feet wide. The LRO, launched in 2009, has captured over 3 million images of the lunar surface. Researchers identified McGetchin as the largest and freshest impact crater ever observed in the solar system, formed by a meteorite strike approximately two years ago. Named after the late geologist Tom McGetchin, the crater is about 728 feet (222 meters) wide and 141 feet (43 meters) deep. Julie Stopar, a senior scientist at the Lunar and Planetary Institute and deputy principal investigator on the LRO's camera team, noted that craters of this size are expected to form once every 130 years. While McGetchin is not the largest crater on the moon—South Pole-Aitken basin holds that title—it is the biggest new crater discovered in the 17 years the LRO has been in operation. The crater was first seen in images taken during the spring of 2024 and was identified in October 2025. Some skywatchers believe they have spotted the crater's bright, white debris ring from Earth. The discovery was detailed in two papers published on September 16 in the journal Science Advances. McGetchin is located at the boundary of two distinct lunar surface types: volcanic mare deposits and highlands. This location allows scientists to study the materials excavated by the impact. The meteorite that created the crater was estimated to be as large as a three- to six-story building. Although it is possible the impact was visible from Earth, no one has confirmed this yet. The discovery of McGetchin crater helps scientists better understand current rates of impact cratering and assess potential risks for future human exploration of the moon. Stopar emphasized that the crater's freshness provides a reference point for dating other craters observed by the LRO. Additionally, the crater's location and features offer insights into how different impact angles, surface materials, and types of impactors influence crater formation. Recent impacts from spacecraft, such as those from SpaceX rockets, have also created craters that provide further opportunities to study crater formation. As more countries and companies plan lunar missions, coordination will be essential to avoid interference and manage space debris effectively.