The Surprising Discovery About the Moon's Oldest Crater: What Does it Mean for NASA's Artemis Missions?

Recent studies revealed a fascinating twist about the moon's oldest and largest impact feature, the South Pole-Aitken basin. New research published in *Earth and Planetary Science Letters* has determined that this massive crater is much rounder than previously believed. Rather than the oval shape scientists once thought, the basin's circular form could indicate a very different impact scenario than what has been accepted for decades.

Stretching nearly 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers) across the far side of the moon, the South Pole-Aitken basin is not just an impressive geological formation; it holds the key to understanding the moon's early history. The newfound round shape suggests that the object responsible for the impact may have struck the lunar surface with much more force and depth than previously estimated. As Hannes Bernhardt, a leading researcher from the University of Maryland's Department of Geology, explains, the angled impact theory, reminiscent of stones skipping on water, may not apply here.

For scientists, this revelation is significant. The sheer scale of the South Pole-Aitken basin complicates the ability to study its characteristics comprehensively. “Four billion years of exposure to other lunar impacts have made it difficult to recognize its original features,” Bernhardt notes, highlighting the challenges faced in geological interpretations. This comprehensive study involved analyzing over 200 mountain-like formations identified using data collected by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which has provided valuable insights into the moon's surface.

The implications of this research extend far beyond academic curiosity. NASA is preparing to send astronauts back to the moon's south pole region under the Artemis program, with Artemis 2 set to launch in April 2026. This mission marks the first time astronauts will land on the moon since 1972, making the findings on the South Pole-Aitken basin even more pertinent.

Bernhardt believes that the round shape of the impact crater suggests that debris from the impact is spread more evenly than previously thought. “This could mean Artemis astronauts will have the unique opportunity to closely examine rocks from the moon's mantle or crust,” Bernhardt stated. “Such materials are typically hidden beneath the surface, but this mission may allow us unprecedented access.”

As NASA aims for future lunar explorations, including potential human habitation and further scientific investigations, understanding the implications of this crater’s round shape could unlock new avenues of discovery. The South Pole-Aitken basin would not only be a historical site of human exploration but also a treasure trove of geological secrets waiting to be unveiled.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow NASA's Artemis missions and the groundbreaking research that is paving the way for humanity's return to the moon. Will the insights from this ancient lunar feature reshape our understanding of the moon and its history? Only time will tell!