NASA has made a "once in a century or even longer" discovery on the Moon. The US space agency has discovered a recently formed crater that is bigger than the Roman Colosseum, or the length of two football fields.<h2>Why is it a once-in-a-century find?</h2>What is so unique about a moon crater, you may ask? The answer is that the crater dubbed McGetchin was only formed about two years ago as the result of a powerful impact. It is also the solar system's biggest known impact crater carved out in recent times. The steep-sided hole, as per NASA, measures about 728 feet across and up to 141 feet deep.According to researchers, such an event happens only once every 132 years. A study published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances has determined that it was the largest new crater ever discovered in the solar system.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/openai-reveals-6-fresh-cases-where-ai-models-went-rogue-you-do-not-answer-to-corporations-or-governments-hugging-face-1789611605026">OpenAI reveals 6 fresh cases of AI models going rogue: 'You do not answer to corporations or governments'</a><h2>But how was it formed?</h2>The crater is believed to have been formed in the spring of 2024, when a comet or asteroid or comet collided with the Moon. According to researchers, the object must've been approximately the size of a three- to six-story-high building. &nbsp;"Scientists estimate that an impact of this magnitude happens on the Moon about once in a century or even longer," NASA said in the blog post.<h2>Why did it take scientists this long to spot the crater?</h2>The crater was there for years, but it was only discovered when Robert Wagner, a researcher with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), noticed it in a new scan of the Moon's surface.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/582-tonnes-150-million-c-60-years-wion-decodes-the-mind-boggling-numbers-behind-china-s-new-artificial-sun-magnet-1785312316534">582 tonnes, 150 million°C, 60 years: WION Decodes the mind-boggling numbers behind China's 'Artificial Sun'</a>To the LRO, which has been studying the Moon since 2009, the crater appeared as a "large bright spot circled by a dark halo".Why does it matter?The Moon already has numerous craters, many of them far bigger than McGetchin; researching the recently formed crater in real time can help scientists build a better understanding of the Moon's geology. That, in turn, can help future crewed missions to the Lunar surface. Notably, both the United States and China are currently planning such missions.

NASA has discovered a huge new crater on the Moon that formed after a rare space-rock impact in 2024. Measuring 728 feet across, the crater is the largest newly formed one found in the Solar System. Here's why the discovery matters.

NASA has made a "once in a century or even longer" discovery on the Moon. The US space agency has discovered a recently formed crater that is bigger than the Roman Colosseum, or the length of two football fields. Why is it a once-in-a-century find? What is so unique about a moon crater, you may ask? The answer is that the crater dubbed McGetchin was only formed about two years ago as the result of a powerful impact. It is also the solar system's biggest known impact crater carved out in recent times. The steep-sided hole, as per NASA, measures about 728 feet across and up to 141 feet deep. According to researchers, such an event happens only once every 132 years. A study published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances has determined that it was the largest new crater ever discovered in the solar system. Also read | OpenAI reveals 6 fresh cases of AI models going rogue: 'You do not answer to corporations or governments' But how was it formed? The crater is believed to have been formed in the spring of 2024, when a comet or asteroid or comet collided with the Moon. According to researchers, the object must've been approximately the size of a three- to six-story-high building. "Scientists estimate that an impact of this magnitude happens on the Moon about once in a century or even longer," NASA said in the blog post. Why did it take scientists this long to spot the crater? The crater was there for years, but it was only discovered when Robert Wagner, a researcher with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO), noticed it in a new scan of the Moon's surface. Also read | 582 tonnes, 150 million°C, 60 years: WION Decodes the mind-boggling numbers behind China's 'Artificial Sun' To the LRO, which has been studying the Moon since 2009, the crater appeared as a "large bright spot circled by a dark halo". Why does it matter? The Moon already has numerous craters, many of them far bigger than McGetchin; researching the recently formed crater in real time can help scientists build a better understanding of the Moon's geology. That, in turn, can help future crewed missions to the Lunar surface. Notably, both the United States and China are currently planning such missions.

NASA has discovered a huge new crater on the Moon that formed after a rare space-rock impact in 2024. Measuring 728 feet across, the crater is the largest newly formed one found in the Solar System. Here's why the discovery matters.

‘Once-in-a-century’ event? NASA finds giant new crater on Moon after rare space impact

A study that claimed that the moon could have been born within five days of a Mars-sized planet colliding with Earth has assumed divine proportions. People think that it proves the Bible creation story mentioned in the Book of Genesis. Scientists from the Southwest Research Institute and the University of Arizona ran several simulations, one of which showed that an intact moon could have been born in five hours after Theia crashed into Earth 4.5 billion years ago. The debris cloud coalesced to form the moon, but it is believed to have happened over several&nbsp;years.&nbsp;When the temperature and strength of the planetary materials inside Earth and Theia were taken into account, they found that the moon took only about five hours to take shape from the time of impact. The study shook what scientists have believed for decades. But people are pointing out how it matches the biblical account of the creation of heaven, something they have known for thousands of years.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-theia-collision-created-the-moon-in-just-5-hours-study-shows-1788430465699">Earth-Theia collision created the moon in just 5 hours, study shows</a><h2>Bible and the two lights</h2>The book says God put a light in the sky on day four, which people think refers to the moon. Genesis 1:14–19 says God placed two lights in the heavens on the fourth day of creation. The "greater light" is believed to mean the sun, while the "lesser light" refers to the moon created to "rule the night."&nbsp;Social media users were quick to say that the study exactly matches what the Bible says about the creation. A user wrote, "We know, while citing Genesis 1:3-5, which states: 'And God said, Let there be light,' and there was light." The user added, "God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening, and there was morning, the first day." Another wrote, “Wow, it’s almost like Genesis suggested that.”<h2>What the study on moon states</h2>The study was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Previous theories on the creation of the moon from the Earth-Theia collision only considered that large portions of both the planets would have melted or vapourised from the impact. But when the strength of the rock and metal inside the colliding planets were added as factors, along with the temperatures, they found that a fully intact moon emerged in orbit within approximately five hours.&nbsp;However, the simulation is a scientific process and in no way linked to what the Bible says. It does not specify how long it took the moon to form either. So there isn't a realistic relation between the two.

The study that found the moon could have formed in only five hours after debris from Earth and Theia flew into space was already mentioned in the Bible, people on social media are pointing out. Netizens say the study matches the account in the creation of the heavens.

A study that claimed that the moon could have been born within five days of a Mars-sized planet colliding with Earth has assumed divine proportions. People think that it proves the Bible creation story mentioned in the Book of Genesis. Scientists from the Southwest Research Institute and the University of Arizona ran several simulations, one of which showed that an intact moon could have been born in five hours after Theia crashed into Earth 4.5 billion years ago. The debris cloud coalesced to form the moon, but it is believed to have happened over several years. When the temperature and strength of the planetary materials inside Earth and Theia were taken into account, they found that the moon took only about five hours to take shape from the time of impact. The study shook what scientists have believed for decades. But people are pointing out how it matches the biblical account of the creation of heaven, something they have known for thousands of years. Also Read: Earth-Theia collision created the moon in just 5 hours, study shows Bible and the two lights The book says God put a light in the sky on day four, which people think refers to the moon. Genesis 1:14–19 says God placed two lights in the heavens on the fourth day of creation. The "greater light" is believed to mean the sun, while the "lesser light" refers to the moon created to "rule the night." Social media users were quick to say that the study exactly matches what the Bible says about the creation. A user wrote, "We know, while citing Genesis 1:3-5, which states: 'And God said, Let there be light,' and there was light." The user added, "God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening, and there was morning, the first day." Another wrote, “Wow, it’s almost like Genesis suggested that.” What the study on moon states The study was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. Previous theories on the creation of the moon from the Earth-Theia collision only considered that large portions of both the planets would have melted or vapourised from the impact. But when the strength of the rock and metal inside the colliding planets were added as factors, along with the temperatures, they found that a fully intact moon emerged in orbit within approximately five hours. However, the simulation is a scientific process and in no way linked to what the Bible says. It does not specify how long it took the moon to form either. So there isn't a realistic relation between the two.

The study that found the moon could have formed in only five hours after debris from Earth and Theia flew into space was already mentioned in the Bible, people on social media are pointing out. Netizens say the study matches the account in the creation of the heavens.

Moon's 5-hour origin theory proves Bible's creation of heavens story right, netizens say

Billions of years before life, oceans and continents, the young Earth suffered a planet-sized collision. A new Southwest Research Institute-led study suggests that a Mars-sized body could have smashed into Earth and produced an intact Moon in as little as five hours. The finding could dramatically change our understanding of one of the Solar System's most violent events and the mysterious birth of our Moon.


A Mars-sized world smashed Earth, five hours later, the Moon was born

The Moon was formed when a planet named Theia smashed into Earth 4.5 billion years ago, releasing huge amounts of rocks and debris into outer space. This material coalesced and clumped together over years to create our lunar satellite. However, scientists from the Southwest Research Institute and the University of Arizona have now claimed that it could have taken just five hours for the Moon to have formed.&nbsp;They created several computer simulations of the event, and some of them showed that an intact moon didn't take very long to take shape. They attributed the time taken to shape the Moon to how hot Earth and Theia were before the collision. Dr Adeene Denton said that these temperatures decided how fast the massive disk of debris collected to make the moon.&nbsp;Dr Adeene Denton said that when he “used the same parameters as original impact modelling, down to the equal temperature structures inside both bodies, within around five hours, an intact moon emerged.”<h2>Material strength of Earth and Theia changed the equation</h2>The latest model, published in Astrophysical Journal Letters, went around understanding how the Moon formed differently. Previous studies treated the Moon and Theia as fluid worlds and did not take the strength of their rocks into account. When the strength of these planetary materials was also considered in the simulations, the results were very different.&nbsp;Dr Denton said that material strength is important while studying collisions between smaller bodies like asteroids, "or for my previous paper about the formation of the Pluto–Charon system." He added that when applied to the moon, both criteria turned out to matter a lot in the case of the moon as well.&nbsp;Scientists say the findings can help learn exactly when this historic collision that created the moon occurred. It would also explain the reason behind the differences in its composition and the amount of volatile material in the lunar body.&nbsp;The Moon and Earth are compositionally quite similar, which scientists think is because they were formed from a common region of the protoplanetary disk. &nbsp;Dr Denton added that Mars and Earth are very different, which means they were both formed from different regions and further apart.&nbsp;

The moon might have shaped into an intact and solid structure in as little as five hours, according to a new study. This event has always been believed to have taken several years. But some models show there is a possibility of a quicker birth.

The Moon was formed when a planet named Theia smashed into Earth 4.5 billion years ago, releasing huge amounts of rocks and debris into outer space. This material coalesced and clumped together over years to create our lunar satellite. However, scientists from the Southwest Research Institute and the University of Arizona have now claimed that it could have taken just five hours for the Moon to have formed. They created several computer simulations of the event, and some of them showed that an intact moon didn't take very long to take shape. They attributed the time taken to shape the Moon to how hot Earth and Theia were before the collision. Dr Adeene Denton said that these temperatures decided how fast the massive disk of debris collected to make the moon. Dr Adeene Denton said that when he “used the same parameters as original impact modelling, down to the equal temperature structures inside both bodies, within around five hours, an intact moon emerged.” Material strength of Earth and Theia changed the equation The latest model, published in Astrophysical Journal Letters, went around understanding how the Moon formed differently. Previous studies treated the Moon and Theia as fluid worlds and did not take the strength of their rocks into account. When the strength of these planetary materials was also considered in the simulations, the results were very different. Dr Denton said that material strength is important while studying collisions between smaller bodies like asteroids, "or for my previous paper about the formation of the Pluto–Charon system." He added that when applied to the moon, both criteria turned out to matter a lot in the case of the moon as well. Scientists say the findings can help learn exactly when this historic collision that created the moon occurred. It would also explain the reason behind the differences in its composition and the amount of volatile material in the lunar body. The Moon and Earth are compositionally quite similar, which scientists think is because they were formed from a common region of the protoplanetary disk. Dr Denton added that Mars and Earth are very different, which means they were both formed from different regions and further apart.

The moon might have shaped into an intact and solid structure in as little as five hours, according to a new study. This event has always been believed to have taken several years. But some models show there is a possibility of a quicker birth.

Earth-Theia collision created the moon in just 5 hours, study shows

In a historic expansion of international space cooperation, NASA has formally invited the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to collaborate on the development of a sustained human presence on the Moon. Building on the momentum of the Artemis Accords and India's successful lunar missions, the proposed partnership aims to pool expertise in lunar infrastructure, life-support systems, and deep-space communication.


NASA invites ISRO to help build a base on moon

The race to the Moon is entering a new phase as India and the US deepen cooperation on future lunar exploration. The US National Space Advisor has invited ISRO to contribute to plans for building a base on the Moon, opening the door to closer collaboration in space technology, science and exploration.


India and US team up for a lunar base 

Aliens seem to be swarming over the Moon, if a bunch of Ukrainian astronomers are to be believed. According to the team from the country's Main Astronomical Observatory, several UFOs are racing near the Moon, which they believe acts as a base for them. They saw more than 20 of them and claim they could reach Earth in 20 minutes. The non-peer-reviewed preprint states that "high-speed telescope footage from rural Ukraine captured faint, fast-moving specks" that they think are huge spacecraft moving at an unbelievable speed.&nbsp;The paper states that the objects were captured by a high-speed camera shooting 20 frames per second. The observation was made from a rural area in Vinarivka, Ukraine, on September 7 and August 16, 2025. Boris Zhilyaev and his team claim the UFOs were moving at a speed of 11 km/s, or 39,600 km/hr. They appeared to be tethered to the Moon's surface. The researchers described them as "atmospheric", meaning they appeared stationary relative to the Moon's surface.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientist-blames-dark-matter-at-centre-of-milky-way-for-mass-extinctions-on-earth-1785246607054">Scientist finds a pattern to Earth's mass extinctions, and it's hiding in deep space</a>&nbsp;They also called them "continental", hinting that they covered vast distances across the Moon at high speed. They estimated them to be nearly 40 kilometres wide, going by the reflectivity parameters. From Earth, they only appeared to be small specks only a few pixels across.<h2>Claims of UFOs on Moon</h2>&nbsp;Detailing what they saw, the researchers said that the objects flashed in repeating patterns lasting 0.1–0.5 seconds. Two of them, hundreds of kilometres apart, flashed in sync. Some of them, 22- 36 kilometres across, were shaped like a ring and rotated every three minutes. The motion produced centrifugal forces more than twice Earth's gravity. They also propose that the UFOs are using the Moon as a base to make the trip to Earth in almost 20 minutes.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientist-blames-dark-matter-at-centre-of-milky-way-for-mass-extinctions-on-earth-1785246607054">100km asteroid exploded in the solar system and changed Moon and Earth 800mn years ago</a><h2>Criticism of the Moon UFO claims</h2> The paper is filled with the most bizarre claims ever made, and the researchers linked to it admit that they cannot verify what they saw. The size and speed of the UFOs is based on the model they built to study their observations. Other scientists have also discredited the paper, stating that without multi-telescope distance measurements, these specks are far more likely to be optical artefacts, satellites in Earth orbit or merely atmospheric noise.&nbsp;<h2>Team's previous paper on UFOs on Earth</h2> In August 2022, their paper titled "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena I: Observations of Events" claimed to have detected dozens of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) in Earth's atmosphere over Kyiv and the surrounding countryside using two meteor-observation stations. It was dismissed by leading scientists, including Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb. He calculated that if a 9.84 to 39.37 feet object were actually moving through Earth's atmosphere at 15 km/s, air friction would generate an enormous, blindingly bright fireball visible for several kilometres. &nbsp;

Ukrainian astronomers claim they saw 40-kilometre-wide objects racing through the Moon at speeds of 39,600 km/hr. These UFOs seemed to be attached to the lunar surface and covered large areas across the Moon. They claim the spacecraft are using the Moon as a base in 20 minutes.

Aliens seem to be swarming over the Moon, if a bunch of Ukrainian astronomers are to be believed. According to the team from the country's Main Astronomical Observatory, several UFOs are racing near the Moon, which they believe acts as a base for them. They saw more than 20 of them and claim they could reach Earth in 20 minutes. The non-peer-reviewed preprint states that "high-speed telescope footage from rural Ukraine captured faint, fast-moving specks" that they think are huge spacecraft moving at an unbelievable speed. The paper states that the objects were captured by a high-speed camera shooting 20 frames per second. The observation was made from a rural area in Vinarivka, Ukraine, on September 7 and August 16, 2025. Boris Zhilyaev and his team claim the UFOs were moving at a speed of 11 km/s, or 39,600 km/hr. They appeared to be tethered to the Moon's surface. The researchers described them as "atmospheric", meaning they appeared stationary relative to the Moon's surface. Also Read: Scientist finds a pattern to Earth's mass extinctions, and it's hiding in deep space They also called them "continental", hinting that they covered vast distances across the Moon at high speed. They estimated them to be nearly 40 kilometres wide, going by the reflectivity parameters. From Earth, they only appeared to be small specks only a few pixels across. Claims of UFOs on Moon Detailing what they saw, the researchers said that the objects flashed in repeating patterns lasting 0.1–0.5 seconds. Two of them, hundreds of kilometres apart, flashed in sync. Some of them, 22- 36 kilometres across, were shaped like a ring and rotated every three minutes. The motion produced centrifugal forces more than twice Earth's gravity. They also propose that the UFOs are using the Moon as a base to make the trip to Earth in almost 20 minutes. Also Read: 100km asteroid exploded in the solar system and changed Moon and Earth 800mn years ago Criticism of the Moon UFO claims The paper is filled with the most bizarre claims ever made, and the researchers linked to it admit that they cannot verify what they saw. The size and speed of the UFOs is based on the model they built to study their observations. Other scientists have also discredited the paper, stating that without multi-telescope distance measurements, these specks are far more likely to be optical artefacts, satellites in Earth orbit or merely atmospheric noise. Team's previous paper on UFOs on Earth In August 2022, their paper titled "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena I: Observations of Events" claimed to have detected dozens of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) in Earth's atmosphere over Kyiv and the surrounding countryside using two meteor-observation stations. It was dismissed by leading scientists, including Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb. He calculated that if a 9.84 to 39.37 feet object were actually moving through Earth's atmosphere at 15 km/s, air friction would generate an enormous, blindingly bright fireball visible for several kilometres.

Ukrainian astronomers claim they saw 40-kilometre-wide objects racing through the Moon at speeds of 39,600 km/hr. These UFOs seemed to be attached to the lunar surface and covered large areas across the Moon. They claim the spacecraft are using the Moon as a base in 20 minutes.

Ukrainian astronomers see gargantuan objects dashing at 39,600 kmph on the Moon - 'They can reach Earth in 20 minutes'

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage that has been tumbling in space since January 2025 is set to crash into the Moon next month. The event will also be visible from Earth, provided you have a telescope. The rocket will carve a new crater in the Moon, throwing plumes of lunar dust several kilometres high in the air.&nbsp;The rocket delivered Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander and ispace's Resilience lander towards the Moon in 2025. But it did not have enough fuel left to return to Earth's atmosphere or take a trip into deep space. It has been in an unstable orbit since then after escaping Earth's gravity. It has now been caught in the Moon's gravity and is moving towards it. An upcoming collision will be visible from Earth.<h2>When will SpaceX rocket crash into Moon?</h2> The rocket will collide with the Moon on August 5. The impact will happen near the Einstein Crater at 12:05 pm IST. A new study that hasn't been peer-reviewed yet has presented what to expect from the crash. Astronomer Bill Gray tracked the object using his Project Pluto software and was the first to reveal the details of the impact.<h2>How big is the SpaceX rocket?</h2>The SpaceX rocket is nearly 40 feet long, 13 feet wide, and weighs 4,000 kg. It will strike the Moon at a speed of nearly 8,750 km/hr. It will gouge a crater in the lunar surface measuring about 65 to 100 feet wide. It will send lunar regolith flying for several kilometres into the air. The rocket itself is expected to fall apart since it is hollow.&nbsp;Since the event is happening during the day, professional and amateur astronomers can see the flash and dust plume, and even click pictures if they have cameras suited for the event.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Moon will have a new crater soon, which will be made by a man-made object. A SpaceX rocket is tumbling towards the Moon and will crash next month. You can see the impact, flash and plume of dust from Earth.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage that has been tumbling in space since January 2025 is set to crash into the Moon next month. The event will also be visible from Earth, provided you have a telescope. The rocket will carve a new crater in the Moon, throwing plumes of lunar dust several kilometres high in the air. The rocket delivered Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander and ispace's Resilience lander towards the Moon in 2025. But it did not have enough fuel left to return to Earth's atmosphere or take a trip into deep space. It has been in an unstable orbit since then after escaping Earth's gravity. It has now been caught in the Moon's gravity and is moving towards it. An upcoming collision will be visible from Earth. When will SpaceX rocket crash into Moon? The rocket will collide with the Moon on August 5. The impact will happen near the Einstein Crater at 12:05 pm IST. A new study that hasn't been peer-reviewed yet has presented what to expect from the crash. Astronomer Bill Gray tracked the object using his Project Pluto software and was the first to reveal the details of the impact. How big is the SpaceX rocket? The SpaceX rocket is nearly 40 feet long, 13 feet wide, and weighs 4,000 kg. It will strike the Moon at a speed of nearly 8,750 km/hr. It will gouge a crater in the lunar surface measuring about 65 to 100 feet wide. It will send lunar regolith flying for several kilometres into the air. The rocket itself is expected to fall apart since it is hollow. Since the event is happening during the day, professional and amateur astronomers can see the flash and dust plume, and even click pictures if they have cameras suited for the event.

The Moon will have a new crater soon, which will be made by a man-made object. A SpaceX rocket is tumbling towards the Moon and will crash next month. You can see the impact, flash and plume of dust from Earth.

Watch a SpaceX rocket crash into the moon at 8,750 km/hr on THIS day

NASA has officially launched its twenty-billion-dollar lunar base. NASA is already ordering landers, rovers and drones for a sprawling moon base, less than two months after the Artemis II's record-breaking lunar flyaround. The space agency outlined the first phase of its moon base plans, awarding hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts to four U.S. companies. With China moving aggressively to capture the Moon's resource-rich south pole, the second space race has escalated into a high-stakes geopolitical battle. Discover how engineers plan to build humanity's most expensive home amidst cosmic radiation, freezing temperatures, and ruthless superpower rivalry.

NASA Just Started Building on the Moon to Stop China | American Moon BASE by 2030

May 2026 features a Blue Moon towards the end of the month. It will be a micromoon, which occurs when a full moon reaches apogee, its greatest distance from Earth. The May 1 Flower Moon was the first micromoon of 2026, and the upcoming occurrence will be the most distant micromoon of 2026. A Blue Moon doesn't mean it appears blue. In fact, the term has an interesting origin and dual meaning. In ancient times, it was known as "the moon is not blue". A Blue Moon was a rare occurrence that happened only every few years. This is also what led to it being turned into a phrase to signify something rare and impossible.<h2>6 interesting facts about the May 2026 Blue Moon</h2>&nbsp;Double Full Moon: May 2026 features a "double" lunar display. The month begins with the full Flower Moon on May 1 and concludes with a Blue Moon overnight on May 30-31.&nbsp;Calendar-month Blue Moon: The May full moon is a "calendar-month" Blue Moon because it is the second full moon to occur within a single calendar month. This type of Blue Moon typically happens every two to three years.&nbsp;Second micromoon: It will be a "micromoon". As the name signifies, it will be a much smaller moon than its regular appearance. When the moon reaches the farthest point in its orbit around Earth, we get a micromoon.<img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260506/image-1778054201629.png">&nbsp;Farthest micromoon: It will be the most distant full micromoon of 2026, appearing about 12-14 per cent smaller than a supermoon and about 7 per cent smaller than an average full moon.&nbsp;Blue Moon not blue: It won't actually be blue. Despite the name, the moon will be "Blue" only in name, and it doesn't actually change its colour.&nbsp;Celestial companion: The May Blue Moon will have a bright celestial companion. During the full moon's crest, it will be positioned near Antares, the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius, the Scorpion.&nbsp;<h2>Blue Moon is not blue in colour</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260506/image-1778053756798.png"></figure><h2>Double meaning of Blue Moon - Monthly and Seasonal Blue Moons</h2>&nbsp;In modern times, a Blue Moon is the second full moon in the same month. However, this happened because of a mistake. A 1946 article in Sky and Telescope had the author inadvertently simplifying an older definition from the Maine Farmer’s Almanac. In an article called “Once in a Blue Moon, James Hugh Pruett wrote, “Seven times in 19 years there were – and still are – 13 full moons in a year. This gives 11 months with one full moon each and one with two. This second in a month, so I interpret it, was called Blue Moon.”<h2>Moon phases - &nbsp;235 Lunar Months approximately equal 19 Calendar Years &nbsp;</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260506/image-1778053312768.jpg"></figure>&nbsp;However, originally the name Blue Moon was used for the third full moon in a season if it was followed by a fourth full moon. This was the period between a solstice and an equinox, or vice versa. Typically, each season only has three full moons in its three months. But, because of the 19-year cycle, a mathematical rhythm between the Earth and the Moon, we sometimes get four moons in one season. The third moon in such a season is known as the Blue Moon. The next seasonal Blue Moon will occur on May 20, 2027.<h2>Blue Moon time in India</h2>&nbsp;The May 2026 Monthly Blue Moon reaches its peak illumination on May 31, 2026, at 08:45 UTC. In India, this corresponds to Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 2:15 pm IST (Indian Standard Time).&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Being daytime, the Moon will be below the horizon during its exact crest. But it will appear full and bright on both nights - May 30 and 31.&nbsp;

May 2026 Blue Moon: The fifth month of 2026 is seeing two Full Moons, and so the second one is known as a Blue Moon. However, this is not how the term Blue Moon was traditionally used. Here is everything you need to know about the Blue Moon.

May 2026 features a Blue Moon towards the end of the month. It will be a micromoon, which occurs when a full moon reaches apogee, its greatest distance from Earth. The May 1 Flower Moon was the first micromoon of 2026, and the upcoming occurrence will be the most distant micromoon of 2026. A Blue Moon doesn't mean it appears blue. In fact, the term has an interesting origin and dual meaning. In ancient times, it was known as "the moon is not blue". A Blue Moon was a rare occurrence that happened only every few years. This is also what led to it being turned into a phrase to signify something rare and impossible. 6 interesting facts about the May 2026 Blue Moon Double Full Moon: May 2026 features a "double" lunar display. The month begins with the full Flower Moon on May 1 and concludes with a Blue Moon overnight on May 30-31. Calendar-month Blue Moon: The May full moon is a "calendar-month" Blue Moon because it is the second full moon to occur within a single calendar month. This type of Blue Moon typically happens every two to three years. Second micromoon: It will be a "micromoon". As the name signifies, it will be a much smaller moon than its regular appearance. When the moon reaches the farthest point in its orbit around Earth, we get a micromoon. Farthest micromoon: It will be the most distant full micromoon of 2026, appearing about 12-14 per cent smaller than a supermoon and about 7 per cent smaller than an average full moon. Blue Moon not blue: It won't actually be blue. Despite the name, the moon will be "Blue" only in name, and it doesn't actually change its colour. Celestial companion: The May Blue Moon will have a bright celestial companion. During the full moon's crest, it will be positioned near Antares, the brightest star in the constellation Scorpius, the Scorpion. Blue Moon is not blue in colour Double meaning of Blue Moon - Monthly and Seasonal Blue Moons In modern times, a Blue Moon is the second full moon in the same month. However, this happened because of a mistake. A 1946 article in Sky and Telescope had the author inadvertently simplifying an older definition from the Maine Farmer’s Almanac. In an article called “Once in a Blue Moon, James Hugh Pruett wrote, “Seven times in 19 years there were – and still are – 13 full moons in a year. This gives 11 months with one full moon each and one with two. This second in a month, so I interpret it, was called Blue Moon.” Moon phases - 235 Lunar Months approximately equal 19 Calendar Years However, originally the name Blue Moon was used for the third full moon in a season if it was followed by a fourth full moon. This was the period between a solstice and an equinox, or vice versa. Typically, each season only has three full moons in its three months. But, because of the 19-year cycle, a mathematical rhythm between the Earth and the Moon, we sometimes get four moons in one season. The third moon in such a season is known as the Blue Moon. The next seasonal Blue Moon will occur on May 20, 2027. Blue Moon time in India The May 2026 Monthly Blue Moon reaches its peak illumination on May 31, 2026, at 08:45 UTC. In India, this corresponds to Sunday, May 31, 2026, at 2:15 pm IST (Indian Standard Time). Being daytime, the Moon will be below the horizon during its exact crest. But it will appear full and bright on both nights - May 30 and 31.

What is Blue Moon? The fifth month of 2026 is seeing two Full Moons, and so the second one is known as a Blue Moon. However, this is not how the term Blue Moon was traditionally used. Here is everything you need to know about the Blue Moon.

May 2026 Blue Moon: Dates, times, and the one thing you get wrong about it

Blue Moon is a rare occurrence, which is why we have the phrase “Once in a Blue Moon.” But did you know that there are two types of Blue Moon, and the one we commonly know today is not how the term was traditionally used?   

Blue Moon is a rare occurrence, which is why we have the phrase “Once in a Blue Moon.” But did you know that there are two types of Blue Moon, and the one we commonly know today is not how the term was traditionally used? &nbsp;&nbsp;

Blue Moon is rare, but actually more common than you think - Traditional vs modern meanings

A SpaceX rocket is set to crash into the Moon in August this year. According to Bill Gray, an independent orbital analyst and creator of the Project Pluto object-tracking software, this rocket is currently orbiting Earth at almost the same distance as the Moon. Their orbits nearly intersect, but soon they will meet each other. This Falcon 9 rocket took two landers to the lunar body in January 2025 - Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost and ispace’s Resilience lander. The rocket’s upper stage was supposed to return to Earth after finishing its job. However, it got stuck in a highly elliptical orbit and never made it back. Astronomers have been watching this object since then, and in 1,053 observations, they noted that while it crossed paths with Earth and Moon several times, it never came close to a collision. But now, it is happening.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mind-blown-see-47-million-galaxies-in-the-largest-3d-map-of-the-universe-each-dot-in-this-photo-is-a-galaxy-1776433522489">MIND BLOWN! See 47 million galaxies in the largest 3D map of the universe. Each dot in this photo is a galaxy</a><h2>When will the rocket crash into the Moon?</h2>Gray used his software to analyse the orbit of this upper-stage rocket and predict its future path. According to him, it will crash into the Moon at 2:44 am ET (1:14 pm) on August 5, moving at a speed of 8,700 kilometres per hour, or seven times the speed of sound. He clarified in a post on his Project Pluto website that the rocket does not pose any threat to anyone. However, it provides an insight into "certain carelessness about how leftover space hardware (space junk) is disposed of." Gray said that right now he doesn't know the exact point where it will strike, but this will become clear by the start of August.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/no-mars-no-moolah-musk-s-appraisal-directly-tied-to-settling-1-million-people-on-red-planet-1777634594502">No Mars, no moolah: Musk's appraisal directly tied to settling 1 million people on Red Planet</a><h2>Will the collision be visible from Earth?</h2>The rocker is revolving around Earth, completing one circle in 26 days. At its closest point, it remains 220,000 km from Earth, and around 510,000 km away at its farthest point, which means it is inside the cislunar space. Gray said that the orbit of the Moon and this object intersect. “Usually, one goes through the intersection point while the other is somewhere else. But on August 5, they’ll reach that point at the same time.” Based on his calculations, the collision will happen on the near side, but the trajectory could also shift and take it to the far side. The impact would not be visible from Earth.&nbsp;The Falcon 9 rocket took off for the Moon on January 15, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Both Blue Ghost and Resilience reached the Moon. However, while Resilience crashed, Blue Ghost successfully touched down. The mission operated for two weeks before it ran out of power following the lunar sunset. It also took a picture of the sun setting from the lunar horizon.&nbsp;

A SpaceX rocket will crash into the Moon soon. After it carried two landers, it did not return. Astronomers saw it revolving around Earth, almost sharing the Moon's orbit. The two bodies will soon have a meeting, which will end with a bang.

A SpaceX rocket is set to crash into the Moon in August this year. According to Bill Gray, an independent orbital analyst and creator of the Project Pluto object-tracking software, this rocket is currently orbiting Earth at almost the same distance as the Moon. Their orbits nearly intersect, but soon they will meet each other. This Falcon 9 rocket took two landers to the lunar body in January 2025 - Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost and ispace’s Resilience lander. The rocket’s upper stage was supposed to return to Earth after finishing its job. However, it got stuck in a highly elliptical orbit and never made it back. Astronomers have been watching this object since then, and in 1,053 observations, they noted that while it crossed paths with Earth and Moon several times, it never came close to a collision. But now, it is happening. Also Read: MIND BLOWN! See 47 million galaxies in the largest 3D map of the universe. Each dot in this photo is a galaxy When will the rocket crash into the Moon? Gray used his software to analyse the orbit of this upper-stage rocket and predict its future path. According to him, it will crash into the Moon at 2:44 am ET (1:14 pm) on August 5, moving at a speed of 8,700 kilometres per hour, or seven times the speed of sound. He clarified in a post on his Project Pluto website that the rocket does not pose any threat to anyone. However, it provides an insight into "certain carelessness about how leftover space hardware (space junk) is disposed of." Gray said that right now he doesn't know the exact point where it will strike, but this will become clear by the start of August. Also Read: No Mars, no moolah: Musk's appraisal directly tied to settling 1 million people on Red Planet Will the collision be visible from Earth? The rocker is revolving around Earth, completing one circle in 26 days. At its closest point, it remains 220,000 km from Earth, and around 510,000 km away at its farthest point, which means it is inside the cislunar space. Gray said that the orbit of the Moon and this object intersect. “Usually, one goes through the intersection point while the other is somewhere else. But on August 5, they’ll reach that point at the same time.” Based on his calculations, the collision will happen on the near side, but the trajectory could also shift and take it to the far side. The impact would not be visible from Earth. The Falcon 9 rocket took off for the Moon on January 15, 2025, from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Both Blue Ghost and Resilience reached the Moon. However, while Resilience crashed, Blue Ghost successfully touched down. The mission operated for two weeks before it ran out of power following the lunar sunset. It also took a picture of the sun setting from the lunar horizon.

A SpaceX rocket will crash into the Moon soon. After it carried two landers, it did not return. Astronomers saw it revolving around Earth, almost sharing the Moon's orbit. The two bodies will soon have a meeting, which will end with a bang.

Rogue rocket zooming around Earth set to crash into Moon at Mach 7. Know exact date and time

NASA’s Artemis II is set for a dramatic moment as the Orion spacecraft reaches the far side of the Moon.

During this phase, astronauts aboard Orion spacecraft will temporarily lose all communication with Earth for about 40–41 minutes. This planned blackout is a critical part of the mission, testing deep-space navigation and autonomy.

The signal loss occurs as the spacecraft passes behind the Moon—an area where direct communication with Earth is not possible. While expected, it remains one of the most intense moments of the 10-day crewed lunar flyby
 

Artemis II Loses Signal: NASA Crew To Disappear Behind Moon For 40 Minutes

Artemis II will fly four astronauts to the moon for the first time in nearly 60 years, with the launch scheduled for April 1. The mission is being compared to the Apollo 8 mission that preceded Apollo 11, which ultimately landed the first humans on the lunar surface. Astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders were the first to fly this far from Earth, from where they could not see their home planet. It was the first human space mission to break free from Earth’s gravitational pull and the first to carry astronauts to the Moon. This is what will happen with Artemis II as well. The mission will take astronauts to the moon on a short voyage, similar to Apollo 8. They will circle the moon and return to Earth, setting the stage for a future landing. Here is what you should know about Artemis II and how it compares with Apollo 8.<h2>Artemis II launch date</h2> The Artemis II moon mission is currently slated to take off on April 1. It was previously scheduled for a February 6 launch, but fuel leakage issues led the launch to be moved forward. The April Fool's Day launch has become the talk of the town, a day that will once again change humanity's relationship with the universe.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-goes-the-apollo-way-plans-yearly-moon-landings-starting-with-2-in-2028-1772538309531">NASA goes the Apollo way, plans yearly moon landings, starting with 2 in 2028</a><h2>Artemis II astronauts</h2> Three NASA and one Canadian astronaut will board the Orion capsule and take off on a 10-day mission. The Artemis II crew includes NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman (mission commander), &nbsp;Victor Glover (pilot), Christina Koch (mission specialist) and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (mission specialist), who will fly to space for the first time.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-picks-april-1-as-artemis-2-launch-date-netizens-ask-why-april-fools-1773405980723">NASA picks April 1 as Artemis 2 launch date, and everyone is wondering, 'Why April Fool's...?'</a><h2>Apollo 8 mission and Artemis II comparison</h2> Apollo 8 was the first time humans ever left Earth's gravity and the first to reach the Moon. Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders were the three astronauts aboard the Saturn V rocket. They reached the Moon in 68 hours and orbited the Moon ten times over 20 hours. They also travelled to the far side of the Moon and were fortunate to see an Earthrise. They also held a television broadcast on Christmas. What Apollo 8 did for Apollo 11, Artemis II will do for the Artemis IV mission. Astronauts will go to the moon and hover over it, scanning and photographing it. They will go nearly 9,000 kilometres beyond the far side of the moon, which will let them see such portions that even the Apollo 8 crew did not witness. This will mark the farthest humans have ever travelled from our home planet.&nbsp;Both missions are similar in the sense that they precede planned human landings to the moon. Apollo 8 was the first mission to take humans to the moon before the main mission. Artemis 2 is also the first mission to take humans to the moon before a landing occurs in 2028.&nbsp;

Apollo 8 and Artemis II are similar missions in many ways. Humans are trying to reach the moon once again. The first human landing in nearly 60 years has been planned for 2028. But before that, Artemis II will undertake a crucial mission. 

Artemis II will fly four astronauts to the moon for the first time in nearly 60 years, with the launch scheduled for April 1. The mission is being compared to the Apollo 8 mission that preceded Apollo 11, which ultimately landed the first humans on the lunar surface. Astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and William Anders were the first to fly this far from Earth, from where they could not see their home planet. It was the first human space mission to break free from Earth’s gravitational pull and the first to carry astronauts to the Moon. This is what will happen with Artemis II as well. The mission will take astronauts to the moon on a short voyage, similar to Apollo 8. They will circle the moon and return to Earth, setting the stage for a future landing. Here is what you should know about Artemis II and how it compares with Apollo 8. Artemis II launch date The Artemis II moon mission is currently slated to take off on April 1. It was previously scheduled for a February 6 launch, but fuel leakage issues led the launch to be moved forward. The April Fool's Day launch has become the talk of the town, a day that will once again change humanity's relationship with the universe. Also Read: NASA goes the Apollo way, plans yearly moon landings, starting with 2 in 2028 Artemis II astronauts Three NASA and one Canadian astronaut will board the Orion capsule and take off on a 10-day mission. The Artemis II crew includes NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman (mission commander), Victor Glover (pilot), Christina Koch (mission specialist) and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen (mission specialist), who will fly to space for the first time. Also Read: NASA picks April 1 as Artemis 2 launch date, and everyone is wondering, 'Why April Fool's...?' Apollo 8 mission and Artemis II comparison Apollo 8 was the first time humans ever left Earth's gravity and the first to reach the Moon. Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and William Anders were the three astronauts aboard the Saturn V rocket. They reached the Moon in 68 hours and orbited the Moon ten times over 20 hours. They also travelled to the far side of the Moon and were fortunate to see an Earthrise. They also held a television broadcast on Christmas. What Apollo 8 did for Apollo 11, Artemis II will do for the Artemis IV mission. Astronauts will go to the moon and hover over it, scanning and photographing it. They will go nearly 9,000 kilometres beyond the far side of the moon, which will let them see such portions that even the Apollo 8 crew did not witness. This will mark the farthest humans have ever travelled from our home planet. Both missions are similar in the sense that they precede planned human landings to the moon. Apollo 8 was the first mission to take humans to the moon before the main mission. Artemis 2 is also the first mission to take humans to the moon before a landing occurs in 2028.

Apollo 8 and Artemis II are similar missions in many ways. Humans are trying to reach the moon once again. The first human landing in nearly 60 years has been planned for 2028. But before that, Artemis II will undertake a crucial mission.&nbsp;

Artemis II and Apollo 8: The 'ultimate test drive' for humanity’s return to the moon

Days on Earth are getting longer. While you might think that cosmic forces are responsible for this change, in reality, humans are to blame in this case. Scientists have pointed out that our planet's spin has slowed down, making days slightly longer. Typically, the gravitational pull of the Moon and forces inside Earth itself and in the atmosphere can create conditions for a faster spin. In July and August 2025, this is what happened, and we had around 1.25 milliseconds chopped off our days. This happened because of a change in the Moon's proximity to Earth. However, now humans are doing something so drastic to the planet that our rotation is slowing down. And since this problem has become a major challenge, our planet's spin might keep reducing. Our planet is warming at an unprecedented rate, causing glaciers and even permafrost to melt. The sea level is rising, and this is directly affecting the rate at which the Earth spins.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-witnesses-its-third-shortest-day-in-a-month-as-experts-warn-of-catastrophe-1754369655534">Earth witnesses its third shortest day in a month as experts warn a catastrophe could be unfolding</a><h2>Earth's history over millions of years&nbsp;</h2>This melting water spreads across the globe, redistributing Earth's mass. This change is tugging on Earth and slowing down its spin, thus adding milliseconds to our days. Scientists from the University of Vienna and ETH Zurich tried to understand whether this change is as dramatic as it sounds, or whether Earth has witnessed similar occurrences in its past. They checked Earth's history since the Late Pliocene to look for instances when the length of a day changed at such a rapid pace. Mostafa Kiani Shahvandi, study author from the University of Vienna’s Department of Meteorology and Geophysics, said in a statement, "In our earlier work, we showed that the accelerated melting of polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers in the 21st century is raising sea levels, which slows Earth's rotation and therefore lengthens the day. What remained unclear was whether there were earlier periods when climate increased day length at a similarly rapid pace."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-say-extraterrestrial-object-slammed-into-brazil-6-3mn-years-ago-but-left-no-crater-there-is-another-proof-1772099549598">Scientists say extraterrestrial object slammed into Brazil 6.3mn years ago, but left no crater. There is another proof</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-radio-signal-every-22-minutes-cosmic-oxymoron-1771576248446">Every 22 minutes, a strange object has been sending a signal to Earth for 38 years</a><h2>A change in Earth's spin not seen in 3.6 million years</h2>They found that days on Earth are increasing by about 1.33 milliseconds every 100 years. The more shocking revelation was that this had not happened in the past 3.6 million years. Since Earth continues to warm, the spin is only going to slow down. "This rapid increase in day length implies that the rate of modern climate change has been unprecedented at least since the late Pliocene, 3.6 million years ago," Benedikt Soja, Professor of Space Geodesy at ETH Zurich, said, adding, "This can be attributed primarily to human influences." While the change is too small to feel for humans, it would affect GPS satellites, space navigation, and complex financial networks.&nbsp;

Days on Earth are becoming longer, not because of the moon or other forces humans can't control, but because of how hot our planet has become. Climate change is responsible for slowing the spin of our planet so much that something like this has not been seen in millions of years.

Days on Earth are getting longer. While you might think that cosmic forces are responsible for this change, in reality, humans are to blame in this case. Scientists have pointed out that our planet's spin has slowed down, making days slightly longer. Typically, the gravitational pull of the Moon and forces inside Earth itself and in the atmosphere can create conditions for a faster spin. In July and August 2025, this is what happened, and we had around 1.25 milliseconds chopped off our days. This happened because of a change in the Moon's proximity to Earth. However, now humans are doing something so drastic to the planet that our rotation is slowing down. And since this problem has become a major challenge, our planet's spin might keep reducing. Our planet is warming at an unprecedented rate, causing glaciers and even permafrost to melt. The sea level is rising, and this is directly affecting the rate at which the Earth spins. Also Read: Earth witnesses its third shortest day in a month as experts warn a catastrophe could be unfolding Earth's history over millions of years This melting water spreads across the globe, redistributing Earth's mass. This change is tugging on Earth and slowing down its spin, thus adding milliseconds to our days. Scientists from the University of Vienna and ETH Zurich tried to understand whether this change is as dramatic as it sounds, or whether Earth has witnessed similar occurrences in its past. They checked Earth's history since the Late Pliocene to look for instances when the length of a day changed at such a rapid pace. Mostafa Kiani Shahvandi, study author from the University of Vienna’s Department of Meteorology and Geophysics, said in a statement, "In our earlier work, we showed that the accelerated melting of polar ice sheets and mountain glaciers in the 21st century is raising sea levels, which slows Earth's rotation and therefore lengthens the day. What remained unclear was whether there were earlier periods when climate increased day length at a similarly rapid pace." Also Read: Scientists say extraterrestrial object slammed into Brazil 6.3mn years ago, but left no crater. There is another proof Also Read: Every 22 minutes, a strange object has been sending a signal to Earth for 38 years A change in Earth's spin not seen in 3.6 million years They found that days on Earth are increasing by about 1.33 milliseconds every 100 years. The more shocking revelation was that this had not happened in the past 3.6 million years. Since Earth continues to warm, the spin is only going to slow down. "This rapid increase in day length implies that the rate of modern climate change has been unprecedented at least since the late Pliocene, 3.6 million years ago," Benedikt Soja, Professor of Space Geodesy at ETH Zurich, said, adding, "This can be attributed primarily to human influences." While the change is too small to feel for humans, it would affect GPS satellites, space navigation, and complex financial networks.

Days on Earth are becoming longer, not because of the moon or other forces humans can't control, but because of how hot our planet has become. Climate change is responsible for slowing the spin of our planet so much that something like this has not been seen in millions of years.

Earth days are getting longer. It has not happened in 3.6 million years

NASA has delayed the launch of Artemis II following a technical issue involving helium flow in the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. The setback impacts NASA’s ambitious lunar exploration timeline under the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon.

Engineers are assessing the propulsion system anomaly and conducting detailed inspections before setting a new launch date. Artemis II is designed to carry astronauts on a crewed mission around the Moon, marking a critical step toward sustained lunar exploration and future Mars missions.

NASA Delays Launch Of Artemis II Lunar Mission Due To Failure In Helium Flow Of SLS Rocket

Moonquakes are a common occurrence. But this is creating cracks on the moon, triggering the birth of new structures and also reshaping the lunar body. Scientists say that the moon is not only going away from us, but is also getting smaller.

Is Earth In Danger As The Moon Shrinks?

The moon is actively shrinking, leaving behind thousands of cracks on the surface. Scientists from the National Air and Space Museum's Center for Earth and Planetary Studies have discovered fresh cracks on the moon. They say that our satellite is reshaping itself, which basically means it is contracting. Moon is cooling from the inside, and consequently, its surface is getting smaller. Scientists have known about this occurrence since 2010. However, the cracks were only seen in the lunar highlands. But researchers have now seen them in another area called lunar maria. The region owes its birth to ancient volcanic eruptions that created large, dark, basaltic plains on the Moon. In the highlands, forces from compression of the moon's crust have pushed material upwards to create landforms known as "lobate scarps". Now, similar features have been seen throughout the lunar mare. Scientists have named the cracks small mare ridges (SMRs).Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moonquakes-and-fault-lines-detected-near-lunar-south-pole-which-is-also-artemis-astronauts-landing-site-683936">Moonquakes and fault lines detected near lunar South Pole, which is also Artemis astronauts' landing site</a><h2>How many new cracks were found on Moon?</h2>Cole Nypaver, lead author of the study, said, "Since the Apollo era, we've known about the prevalence of lobate scarps throughout the lunar highlands, but this is the first time scientists have documented the widespread prevalence of similar features throughout the lunar mare." The team discovered a total of 1,114 SMRs, bringing the total number of cracks found on the moon to 2,634. Researchers say that SMRs are older than lobate scarps, with the former being 124 million years old and the scarps around 105 million years old. "Our detection of young, small ridges in the maria, and our discovery of their cause, completes a global picture of a dynamic, contracting moon,' said Tom Watters, who discovered the cracks in 2010. This makes them some of the youngest geological features on the moon when compared to other structures.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/an-american-flag-that-has-waited-56-years-to-go-to-space-finally-gets-its-chance-with-artemis-2-1769173675138">An American flag that has waited 56 years to go to space finally gets its chance with Artemis 2</a><h2>Moonquakes are a threat to human missions</h2>However, this means that the moon is witnessing quakes, or moonquakes. Tectonic activity on the lunar surface might not be good news for humans who are planning to build colonies there. Nypaver is hopeful that the upcoming Artemis and other lunar exploration missions will gather data on these moonquakes, which can help make future missions safer. "Upcoming lunar exploration programs, such as Artemis, will provide a wealth of new information about our moon. A better understanding of lunar tectonics and seismic activity will directly benefit the safety and scientific success of those and future missions," he said. NASA is planning to return astronauts to the moon in February this year, and land them on the surface by 2028. &nbsp;

The moon is actively shrinking, leaving behind thousands of cracks on the surface. Scientists from the National Air and Space Museum's Center for Earth and Planetary Studies have discovered fresh cracks on the moon. They say that our satellite is reshaping itself, which basically means it is contracting. Moon is cooling from the inside, and consequently, its surface is getting smaller. Scientists have known about this occurrence since 2010. However, the cracks were only seen in the lunar highlands. But researchers have now seen them in another area called lunar maria. The region owes its birth to ancient volcanic eruptions that created large, dark, basaltic plains on the Moon. In the highlands, forces from compression of the moon's crust have pushed material upwards to create landforms known as "lobate scarps". Now, similar features have been seen throughout the lunar mare. Scientists have named the cracks small mare ridges (SMRs). Also Read: Moonquakes and fault lines detected near lunar South Pole, which is also Artemis astronauts' landing site How many new cracks were found on Moon? Cole Nypaver, lead author of the study, said, "Since the Apollo era, we've known about the prevalence of lobate scarps throughout the lunar highlands, but this is the first time scientists have documented the widespread prevalence of similar features throughout the lunar mare." The team discovered a total of 1,114 SMRs, bringing the total number of cracks found on the moon to 2,634. Researchers say that SMRs are older than lobate scarps, with the former being 124 million years old and the scarps around 105 million years old. "Our detection of young, small ridges in the maria, and our discovery of their cause, completes a global picture of a dynamic, contracting moon,' said Tom Watters, who discovered the cracks in 2010. This makes them some of the youngest geological features on the moon when compared to other structures. Also Read: An American flag that has waited 56 years to go to space finally gets its chance with Artemis 2 Moonquakes are a threat to human missions However, this means that the moon is witnessing quakes, or moonquakes. Tectonic activity on the lunar surface might not be good news for humans who are planning to build colonies there. Nypaver is hopeful that the upcoming Artemis and other lunar exploration missions will gather data on these moonquakes, which can help make future missions safer. "Upcoming lunar exploration programs, such as Artemis, will provide a wealth of new information about our moon. A better understanding of lunar tectonics and seismic activity will directly benefit the safety and scientific success of those and future missions," he said. NASA is planning to return astronauts to the moon in February this year, and land them on the surface by 2028.

Moonquakes are a common occurrence. But this is creating cracks on the moon, triggering the birth of new structures and also reshaping the lunar body. Scientists say that the moon is not only going away from us, but is also getting smaller.

Moon is shrinking as 1,114 new cracks are discovered. It is bad news for NASA's lunar bases

A massive asteroid, designated 2024 YR4, is locked on a collision course with the Moon, raising global alarm. Scientists warn that while the lunar impact is imminent, Earth could be at risk from debris or future trajectories, sparking urgent monitoring efforts.

2032 Countdown: Massive Asteroid Locked on Moon, Earth Could Be Next Target

Scientists are tracking potential asteroid threats in 2032, raising questions about what could happen if an asteroid were to strike the Moon instead of Earth. While Earth may avoid a direct hit, a lunar impact could still have serious consequences, from debris clouds to possible effects on satellites and space missions.

What Happens if an Asteroid Hits the Moon? The 2032 Earth Warning

China's Chang'e-6 mission brought back lunar samples from the Moon for the first time in 2024, and this regolith has now revealed something. Around 1,935.3 grams of lunar soil reached Earth in June of the year. Chinese scientists say that an analysis has shed light on the Moon's composition and geological history, and reveals the clear difference between the far and near sides. The researchers say that they finally know how a massive impact in the South Pole-Aitken Basin 4.25 billion years ago shaped the Moon's deep interior and reshaped the surface. NASA, ESA and China are exploring using this region as a potential building site since it has permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) that contain vast amounts of water ice. The latest findings can help provide crucial data in the quest to do so. Chinese scientists from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics (IGG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) studied the basalt samples returned by the Chang'e-6 lander.&nbsp;They say that the impact not only created the basin, but also caused materials seated deep inside the moon to lose certain volatile elements. High-precision isotope analysis helped them detect minute variations in isotope ratios and showed what was left behind after the impact. On the Moon, impacts are what shape the surface over several years, contrary to the tectonic movements on Earth. They say that the impact altered the potassium isotope composition in the deep lunar mantle. &nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/half-of-mars-was-covered-with-an-ocean-as-big-as-the-arctic-3-billion-years-ago-1768566494909">3 billion years ago, Mars had a huge ocean that covered half the planet</a><h2>How loss of elements stopped volcanoes on Moon</h2>The high-temperature environment had an impact on moderately volatile elements like potassium, zinc, and gallium. The extreme heat generated by the event created extreme conditions that led to the loss of the lighter potassium-39 isotope and the enrichment of the heavier potassium-41 isotope. Besides, this loss also suppressed volcanic activity on the Moon's far side.&nbsp;They also noted that the samples obtained by the Chang'e-6 mission were different from those brought back by Apollo astronauts from the near-side of the Moon. The basalt sample on the far side had a higher proportion of the heavier potassium-41 isotope, which they say could have been caused by factors like cosmic rays, volcanic activity, and impactor deposition. Scientists now know that the two sides of the Moon had a different evolutionary histories.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Moon's far side and near side are different from each other. China's Chang'e-6 mission has revealed how an ancient impact changed the far side of the Moon, and how its composition varies from the near side.

China's Chang'e-6 mission brought back lunar samples from the Moon for the first time in 2024, and this regolith has now revealed something. Around 1,935.3 grams of lunar soil reached Earth in June of the year. Chinese scientists say that an analysis has shed light on the Moon's composition and geological history, and reveals the clear difference between the far and near sides. The researchers say that they finally know how a massive impact in the South Pole-Aitken Basin 4.25 billion years ago shaped the Moon's deep interior and reshaped the surface. NASA, ESA and China are exploring using this region as a potential building site since it has permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) that contain vast amounts of water ice. The latest findings can help provide crucial data in the quest to do so. Chinese scientists from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics (IGG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) studied the basalt samples returned by the Chang'e-6 lander. They say that the impact not only created the basin, but also caused materials seated deep inside the moon to lose certain volatile elements. High-precision isotope analysis helped them detect minute variations in isotope ratios and showed what was left behind after the impact. On the Moon, impacts are what shape the surface over several years, contrary to the tectonic movements on Earth. They say that the impact altered the potassium isotope composition in the deep lunar mantle. Also Read: 3 billion years ago, Mars had a huge ocean that covered half the planet How loss of elements stopped volcanoes on Moon The high-temperature environment had an impact on moderately volatile elements like potassium, zinc, and gallium. The extreme heat generated by the event created extreme conditions that led to the loss of the lighter potassium-39 isotope and the enrichment of the heavier potassium-41 isotope. Besides, this loss also suppressed volcanic activity on the Moon's far side. They also noted that the samples obtained by the Chang'e-6 mission were different from those brought back by Apollo astronauts from the near-side of the Moon. The basalt sample on the far side had a higher proportion of the heavier potassium-41 isotope, which they say could have been caused by factors like cosmic rays, volcanic activity, and impactor deposition. Scientists now know that the two sides of the Moon had a different evolutionary histories.

The Moon's far side and near side are different from each other. China's Chang'e-6 mission has revealed how an ancient impact changed the far side of the Moon, and how its composition varies from the near side.

4.25bn years ago, an impact gave a dramatic makeover to the far side of Moon

Moon has been pulling away material from Earth for billions of years, according to a new study. Scientists say that it did not happen before the magnetic field was formed, but instead, this process is facilitated by our planet's magnetic tail.

Moon has been pulling away material from Earth for billions of years, according to a new study. Scientists say that it did not happen before the magnetic field was formed, but instead, this process is facilitated by our planet's magnetic tail.

Earth's tail has been helping Moon steal from our planet for billions of years

Scientists have found a mass under two craters of the Moon emitting heat, hinting at the presence of an object that is very rare outside of Earth. Volcanism has been identified on the lunar surface, with lava fields and eruptions common billions of years ago. However, these volcanoes were different from the ones found on Earth. But then one such was identified, with signs present beneath the Compton and Belkovich craters on the far side of the Moon. The object found on the Moon is granite, hardly ever found anywhere else but on Earth. The process of its formation involves a volcano where magma can cool down and crystallise, besides water and tectonics.&nbsp;To see what lay beneath these craters and was emitting heat, the researchers used data from Chinese and American lunar orbiters. This led them to a volcanic process never seen before on the Moon, IFL Science reported. Co-lead researcher, Dr Matt Siegler, of the Planetary Science Institute, said in a statement, that an instrument on both the Chinese Chang'E 1 and 2 orbiters helped the team map temperatures below the surface. “What this means is that it is hot, not necessarily at the surface, as you would see in infrared, but under the surface," he added. This means that there is extra heat coming from somewhere below the feature within the deeper lunar crust. "So Compton-Belkovich, thought to be a volcano, is also hiding a large heat source below it," Matt said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mysterious-deep-space-radio-signal-detected-in-2025-has-no-reasonable-explanation-1765774537616">Mysterious deep space radio signal detected in 2025 has no reasonable explanation</a><h2>Warmer surface exposed a volcanic area</h2>This volcanic surface spans 20 kilometres, is rich in silicon and is believed to be the caldera of this ancient volcano. The last eruption supposedly happened 3.5 billion years ago, yet this portion is 10 degrees Celsius warmer than the nearby areas. Scientists think this heat is from radioactive elements that got stuck in the rocks. "We interpret this heat flux as resulting from a radiogenic-rich granite body below the caldera," Dr Siegler said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-has-a-tail-flowing-for-millions-of-kilometres-into-space-on-its-dark-side-1765431481520">Earth has a tail, flowing for millions of kilometres into space on its dark side</a>&nbsp;His wife, Dr Rita Economos, a geochemist, explained that what they have found is a "50km wide batholith". It is a "type of volcanic rock that forms when lava rises into the earth's crust but does not erupt onto the surface." This discovery of granite in one region on the Moon opens the possibility of finding it in other lunar areas, and even on more cosmic bodies.&nbsp; &nbsp;

An Earth-like volcano has been identified on the Moon that last erupted 3.5 billion years ago. Scientists say the higher temperature here gave it away. But what is generating heat if the volcano has not erupted in all these years? Here is what is happening.

Scientists have found a mass under two craters of the Moon emitting heat, hinting at the presence of an object that is very rare outside of Earth. Volcanism has been identified on the lunar surface, with lava fields and eruptions common billions of years ago. However, these volcanoes were different from the ones found on Earth. But then one such was identified, with signs present beneath the Compton and Belkovich craters on the far side of the Moon. The object found on the Moon is granite, hardly ever found anywhere else but on Earth. The process of its formation involves a volcano where magma can cool down and crystallise, besides water and tectonics. To see what lay beneath these craters and was emitting heat, the researchers used data from Chinese and American lunar orbiters. This led them to a volcanic process never seen before on the Moon, IFL Science reported. Co-lead researcher, Dr Matt Siegler, of the Planetary Science Institute, said in a statement, that an instrument on both the Chinese Chang'E 1 and 2 orbiters helped the team map temperatures below the surface. “What this means is that it is hot, not necessarily at the surface, as you would see in infrared, but under the surface," he added. This means that there is extra heat coming from somewhere below the feature within the deeper lunar crust. "So Compton-Belkovich, thought to be a volcano, is also hiding a large heat source below it," Matt said. Also Read: Mysterious deep space radio signal detected in 2025 has no reasonable explanation Warmer surface exposed a volcanic area This volcanic surface spans 20 kilometres, is rich in silicon and is believed to be the caldera of this ancient volcano. The last eruption supposedly happened 3.5 billion years ago, yet this portion is 10 degrees Celsius warmer than the nearby areas. Scientists think this heat is from radioactive elements that got stuck in the rocks. "We interpret this heat flux as resulting from a radiogenic-rich granite body below the caldera," Dr Siegler said. Also Read: Earth has a tail, flowing for millions of kilometres into space on its dark side His wife, Dr Rita Economos, a geochemist, explained that what they have found is a "50km wide batholith". It is a "type of volcanic rock that forms when lava rises into the earth's crust but does not erupt onto the surface." This discovery of granite in one region on the Moon opens the possibility of finding it in other lunar areas, and even on more cosmic bodies.

An Earth-like volcano has been identified on the Moon that last erupted 3.5 billion years ago. Scientists say the higher temperature here gave it away. But what is generating heat if the volcano has not erupted in all these years? Here is what is happening.

What's so hot? Two moon craters are hiding an ancient volcano that last erupted 3.5 billion years ago

India's space agency ISRO says that analysis of the Chandrayaan-3 lander data obtained from data from August 23, 2023 to September 03, 2023 shows first-of-its-kind of results on the plasma environment near the Moon’s surface at the Southern higher latitudes, revealing that the electrical environment near the Moon's surface at the South Polar Region is far more active than previously understood.


ISRO reveals electrified Moon environment

ISRO has revealed a groundbreaking discovery: the lunar south pole is electrically active, with Chandrayaan-3 detecting surprising electrical activity in the region. This electrified moon environment, previously unknown, suggests dynamic interactions between the lunar surface and solar radiation, potentially reshaping scientific understanding of the Moon’s geophysics. 

Moon Found Electrically Active: ISRO Reveals Electrified Environment 

Chandrayaan-3 discovers electrically active Moon, plasma storms at south pole

Scientists might have, for the first time, discovered an exomoon, a body similar to our Moon, but way beyond our solar system. NASA officially confirmed in September this year that it had, to date, found a whopping 6,000 exoplanets. But exomoons only existed in theory, and none had ever been found. However, some astronomers now claim that they might have stumbled across the first exomoon. The candidate in contention to be officially declared the first exomoon resides 133 light-years from Earth and orbits HD 206893 B, a Jupiter-like exoplanet. The researchers used a new approach to identify any exomoons near this planet. They repurposed high-precision astrometry, a mathematical approach to mapping out stellar distance, to check for moons. And they seem to have tasted success.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-wanted-to-blast-a-hydrogen-bomb-on-the-moon-in-1950s-here-s-why-it-did-not-1764598076559">NASA wanted to nuke the Moon in 1950s out of jealousy. Here's why it did not</a>&nbsp;While the planet is equal to the mass of 28 Jupiters, its exomoon is around 0.4 Jupiter masses. This is around the size of seven Neptunes put together, the scientists said. This makes it an exomoon of monstrous proportions. The paper submitted by a group of astronomers led by Quentin Kral of the Paris Observatory in France is currently available as a preprint. It still needs to be checked and verified by other astronomers. Even though their finding still needs to be confirmed by the wider community, they believe that astrometry will emerge as a promising method to detect exomoons.Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/3iatlas-spewed-pristine-material-as-ice-volcanoes-erupted-near-the-sun-spanish-scientists-find-1764653508419"> 3I/ATLAS spewed pristine material as ice volcanoes erupted near the Sun, Spanish scientists find</a><h2>Why are exomoons hard to find?</h2> Scientists have often come across bodies that they thought were exomoons, only to be disappointed. Exomoons are much smaller than their planets, based on how things work in our solar system. Discovering verified exoplanets itself is a task, since confirmation is based on rigorous and multiple checks. According to NASA, there are nearly 8,000 exoplanets waiting for official status. On the cosmological scale, exoplanets are already considered extremely small. Since exomoons are even smaller, detecting them has been nearly impossible. The study adds that "there is no definition of what an exomoon is, and some ambiguity remains as to whether it may include, for instance, binary planets."The researchers added that this exomoon candidate has "a tentative nature" and needs further confirmation using GRAVITY data. If all goes well and the measurements stick, we might soon have out very first exomoon. &nbsp;

A group of astronomers claim they have found the first exomoon in the universe. While we know about around 6,000 exoplanets, an exomoon has never been found. That might soon change if the latest finding is confirmed by other astronomers. 

Scientists might have, for the first time, discovered an exomoon, a body similar to our Moon, but way beyond our solar system. NASA officially confirmed in September this year that it had, to date, found a whopping 6,000 exoplanets. But exomoons only existed in theory, and none had ever been found. However, some astronomers now claim that they might have stumbled across the first exomoon. The candidate in contention to be officially declared the first exomoon resides 133 light-years from Earth and orbits HD 206893 B, a Jupiter-like exoplanet. The researchers used a new approach to identify any exomoons near this planet. They repurposed high-precision astrometry, a mathematical approach to mapping out stellar distance, to check for moons. And they seem to have tasted success. Also Read: NASA wanted to nuke the Moon in 1950s out of jealousy. Here's why it did not While the planet is equal to the mass of 28 Jupiters, its exomoon is around 0.4 Jupiter masses. This is around the size of seven Neptunes put together, the scientists said. This makes it an exomoon of monstrous proportions. The paper submitted by a group of astronomers led by Quentin Kral of the Paris Observatory in France is currently available as a preprint. It still needs to be checked and verified by other astronomers. Even though their finding still needs to be confirmed by the wider community, they believe that astrometry will emerge as a promising method to detect exomoons. Also Read: 3I/ATLAS spewed pristine material as ice volcanoes erupted near the Sun, Spanish scientists find Why are exomoons hard to find? Scientists have often come across bodies that they thought were exomoons, only to be disappointed. Exomoons are much smaller than their planets, based on how things work in our solar system. Discovering verified exoplanets itself is a task, since confirmation is based on rigorous and multiple checks. According to NASA, there are nearly 8,000 exoplanets waiting for official status. On the cosmological scale, exoplanets are already considered extremely small. Since exomoons are even smaller, detecting them has been nearly impossible. The study adds that "there is no definition of what an exomoon is, and some ambiguity remains as to whether it may include, for instance, binary planets." The researchers added that this exomoon candidate has "a tentative nature" and needs further confirmation using GRAVITY data. If all goes well and the measurements stick, we might soon have out very first exomoon.

A group of astronomers claim they have found the first exomoon in the universe. While we know about around 6,000 exoplanets, an exomoon has never been found. That might soon change if the latest finding is confirmed by other astronomers.&nbsp;

133 light-years away, astronomers may have spotted a ‘monster’ exomoon for the first time

New research reveals the origin of the Moon! Scientists say Earth and its cosmic neighbor Theia were close neighbors before a massive collision.
This cataclysmic impact between Theia and Earth ultimately led to the Moon’s formation, shedding light on the true birthplace of our natural satellite

Moon-Maker Mystery Solved: Theia Collided with Earth to Form the Moon

Where did the Moon really come from? A groundbreaking new study has traced lunar origins to an inner-solar-system planet — a possible twin of early Earth. Using ancient rock samples and advanced modelling, researchers may have uncovered the true identity of the world that collided with Earth and gave birth to the Moon.
Is the Moon’s “lost parent” hiding in plain sight?
This explainer breaks down the discovery, the science behind the collision, and how it rewrites lunar history.


How Earth's Twin Killed Itself to Create the Moon

A cosmic collision between the ancient planet Theia and Earth billions of years ago gave birth to the Moon. Scientists have now analyzed evidence confirming this dramatic event, solving one of astronomy’s oldest mysteries. This video explains the findings, the impact process, and what it tells us about the early solar system.

Cosmic Neighbor Theia Smashed Into Our Planet to Birth the Moon 

A groundbreaking ISRO study reveals strong evidence of water ice hidden beneath the Moon’s polar craters. Using Chandrayaan mission data, scientists found sub-surface ice levels up to eight times higher than surface deposits — a major step toward understanding lunar resources. The discovery could redefine future Moon missions, from habitation plans to fuel generation.

ISRO Finds Evidence of Water Ice Beneath Moon’s Polar Craters

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