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NASA Discovers Rare 225-Meter Moon Crater, Raises Mission Concerns

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

NASA identified a 225-meter-wide Moon crater formed in April or May 2024 from routine image analysis by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
Planetary scientist Mark Robinson says crater size is expected only once every 139 years.
The crater’s depth averages 43 meters and its elongated shape suggests uneven subsurface layers.
Disturbances linked to the impact were detected up to 120 kilometers away, raising concerns about hazards for future missions and habitats.

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Story summary

NASA identified a 225-meter-wide Moon crater formed in April or May 2024 from routine image analysis by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
Planetary scientist Mark Robinson says crater size is expected only once every 139 years.
The crater’s depth averages 43 meters and its elongated shape suggests uneven subsurface layers.
Disturbances linked to the impact were detected up to 120 kilometers away, raising concerns about hazards for future missions and habitats.