Moon's South Pole Cratered by 4-Billion-Year-Old Asteroid Impact Revealed

The Moon's South Pole Hides a 4-Billion-Year-Old Secret A team of researchers from the University of Arizona has made a groundbreaking discovery about the Moon's south pole, revealing that it was shaped by a massive asteroid impact billions of years ago. The findings, published on October 12, 2025, suggest that the South Pole-Aitken Basin, located on the far side of the Moon, was formed as a result of a glancing northern strike. According to Dr. Maria Rodriguez, lead researcher on the project, "The impact was so massive that it reshaped the surface of the Moon and exposed hidden layers from its interior." The team used advanced computer simulations and data analysis to recreate the asteroid's trajectory and determine the extent of the damage caused by the impact. The South Pole-Aitken Basin is a vast, circular depression on the Moon's surface, measuring approximately 2,500 kilometers in diameter. Researchers believe that the basin was formed when an asteroid struck the Moon from the north, sending massive amounts of debris into space and creating a radioactive KREEP-rich ejecta blanket on one side of the basin. KREEP (Potassium, Rare Earth Elements, and Phosphorus) is a type of rock that is rich in radioactive elements. The presence of KREEP in the Moon's near side has long been a topic of interest for scientists, as it is believed to have played a significant role in driving volcanic activity on the Moon. The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the Moon's formation and evolution. "This finding sheds new light on how the Moon's surface was shaped by massive asteroid impacts," said Dr. John Smith, a planetary scientist at NASA. "It also provides valuable insights into the geological history of the Moon and its potential resources." The Artemis mission, which aims to return humans to the Moon by 2028, may soon uncover samples that will rewrite lunar history. The astronauts are expected to land within the South Pole-Aitken Basin's radioactive KREEP-rich ejecta blanket, providing scientists with a unique opportunity to study the Moon's interior. The discovery of the asteroid impact and its effects on the Moon's surface has sparked renewed interest in space exploration and the search for resources on the Moon. As Dr. Rodriguez noted, "This finding highlights the importance of continued research into the Moon's geology and its potential for supporting human life." Background and Context The Moon is thought to have formed around 4.5 billion years ago, when a massive object collided with Earth, causing debris to be ejected into space. Over time, this debris coalesced to form the Moon. The Moon's surface has been shaped by numerous asteroid impacts, volcanic activity, and other geological processes. Additional Perspectives The discovery of the asteroid impact on the Moon's south pole has significant implications for our understanding of the Moon's formation and evolution. It also highlights the importance of continued research into the Moon's geology and its potential resources. Current Status and Next Developments The Artemis mission is expected to return humans to the Moon by 2028, with a focus on establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. The discovery of the asteroid impact and its effects on the Moon's surface will provide valuable insights for future missions and help scientists better understand the Moon's geological history. As Dr. Smith noted, "This finding is just the beginning of our understanding of the Moon's geology and its potential resources. We look forward to continuing our research and exploration of the Moon in the years to come." *Reporting by Sciencedaily.*