Introduction

In a groundbreaking study published in the Earth and Planetary Science Letters, researchers have revealed that the South Pole-Aitken basin—the moon's oldest and largest crater—may not be as oval-shaped as previously thought. Instead, it appears to be remarkably round, prompting scientists to reconsider the event that created this lunar landmark.

The Discovery

Stretching an astonishing 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers) across the far side of the moon, the newly identified circular shape of the South Pole-Aitken basin suggests a much more significant impact was involved—one that likely penetrated deep into the moon's surface. This revelation is crucial as it opens new avenues for understanding the moon's geological history and might provide invaluable insights into its early formation.

Reevaluating Historical Hypotheses

For decades, scientists have hypothesized that the object responsible for this colossal impact struck the moon at a steeper angle, reminiscent of a stone skimming across water. So, what led to the longstanding misinterpretation of this monumental feature?

"This basin is so vast that studying it in its entirety is incredibly challenging," explained Hannes Bernhardt, an assistant research scientist at the University of Maryland and lead author of the study. "Moreover, four billion years of additional impacts have altered its original structure, making it difficult to understand its true shape and size."

Research Methodology

Bernhardt's team utilized data collected from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, analyzing over 200 mountainous formations scattered throughout the basin. According to their findings, the arrangement and shape of these formations indicate that the crater resulted from a more vertical impact—akin to dropping a rock straight down onto a flat surface.

Implications for NASA's Artemis Missions

The implications of this research are particularly exciting in light of NASA's upcoming Artemis missions, poised to return astronauts to the lunar south pole for the first time since 1972. Specifically, Artemis 2 is scheduled to launch in April 2026, bringing astronauts closer than ever to the moon’s unexplored regions.

Bernhardt emphasizes that understanding this circular impact could provide "significant implications" for the Artemis missions. He notes, "A more circular impact could mean that the resulting debris is distributed more evenly around the basin, which could allow Artemis astronauts and robotic missions to access and study materials typically buried deep within the moon's mantle or crust."

Conclusion

This new insight into the South Pole-Aitken basin not only challenges previous scientific models but also enhances the prospect of discovering new geological resources on the moon. As NASA gears up for its ambitious Artemis program, the mysteries hidden beneath the lunar surface may be closer to being revealed than ever before.

Stay tuned, as the moon continues to surprise us—and who knows what discoveries await during these upcoming missions!