The researchers said they had found the largest crater in the solar system. It was formed due to the impact of a huge asteroid, which was moving at a speed of 20 km/s.

Scientists have discovered the largest impact crater in the entire solar system. Astronomers found it on Jupiters largest moon, Ganymede. Most of the celestial body is covered with scars from impacts, so it was difficult for researchers to find this crater.

Astronomers have relied on observational data from many past NASA missions. They studied the massive Moon, which is larger than Mercury, the smallest planet. In particular, they concentrated on the grooves that appear on the surface of celestial bodies.

Researchers have learned that these grooves indicate powerful blows from all sides of Ganymede. But upon re-examining the structures, the scientists behind the new research suggested that the structure was an impact crater.

The researchers also carried out complex simulations on a very powerful computer at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. These data indicate that, most likely, a celestial body collided with a huge asteroid. Its diameter is about 15 km., It moved at a speed of 20 kilometers per second. The researchers suggest that particles of a celestial body can be found in the crater.

They want to confirm this theory scientists can do it when the European Space Agencys JUICE probe reaches the moon in 2029. Its launch is scheduled for 2022.

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Astronomers find the largest impact crater in the solar system - FREE NEWS