Moon hit by massive object as NASA declares 'once-in-a-century event'
The Mirror • • science
Key Points:
- A newly discovered impact crater on the Moon, measuring about 225 meters long, is considered a rare event occurring roughly once every 139 years, according to NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera data.
- The crater formed on the boundary between the lunar highlands and a flat mare, ejecting rock and dust at high speeds that could pose hazards to future lunar structures.
- Scientists warn that lunar buildings must be designed to withstand debris traveling at about one kilometer per second due to the Moon's lack of atmosphere.
- This discovery coincides with NASA's ongoing preparations for the Artemis 2 mission, scheduled for no earlier than April 1, 2026, which aims to send four astronauts on a 10-day crewed flight looping around the Moon.
- Artemis 2 was delayed from its original 2024 launch date due to technical issues with the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule, including helium system faults, hydrogen leaks, and heat shield safety concerns.
