A scientist checking Moon pictures noticed an unusually bright spot. He compared earlier and later images from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. The difference revealed a large new crater called McGetchin. It formed between April and May 2024. NASA described the discovery in September 2026. A space rock hit the Moon and threw material across the surrounding ground.
The crater is about 222 metres wide and 43 metres deep. Scientists estimate that impacts this large happen about once a century, or less often. The Moon has no atmosphere to slow incoming rocks. Comparing images over time helps researchers find changes on its surface. This approach reveals that the Moon is still changing, although it often looks quiet from Earth.