Astronomy Picture of the Day
Embark on a journey through the cosmos! Every day, a new image or photograph showcasing our captivating universe is unveiled, accompanied by a concise explanation crafted by a professional astronomer.
A Remarkable New Lunar Crater: McGetchin
A spectacular and rare lunar crater has recently formed on the Moon! Between April and May of 2024, a comet or asteroid roughly the dimensions of a humpback whale—approximately 10 to 20 metres (30 to 60 feet)—collided with the lunar surface. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has been diligently monitoring the Moon and captured images illustrating the lunar terrain both prior to and following this extraordinary event.
The newly created crater, which has been named in honour of Apollo-era lunar scientist McGetchin, spans the width of two football pitches. Such significant craters are expected to occur only once every 132 years. Subsequent thermal imaging has revealed a substantial cold spot surrounding the warm crater, indicating that the impact has caused the loose lunar sediment, or regolith, to become less dense and less capable of retaining heat. This phenomenon has implications that extend far beyond the visible crater itself, contributing to our understanding of surface impacts and the evolutionary processes shaping the Moon’s surface. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the protective role of Earth’s atmosphere.
Updates and Future Insights
For those interested in submitting images to APOD, please take note that the submission email has been updated. Further details can be found in the APOD Submissions section. Additionally, APOD’s main NASA site will be relocating from apod.nasa.gov to science.nasa.gov/apod.
Looking ahead, tomorrow’s featured image promises to explore the great unknown, inviting enthusiasts and stargazers alike to continue their exploration of the universe.
Date: 23 September 2026
Credit: NASA/GSFC/Intuitive Machines
Authors & Editors: Keighley Rockcliffe, Robert Nemiroff, Jerry Bonnell, Cecilia Chirenti
A Service of: ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech University
Yesterday’s Image:
APOD: 22 September 2026 – Chance Triple Alignment: Plane, Space Station, Sun
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s captivating image!
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