Moon's Giant Canyons: Energy of 130 Nuclear Arsenals 2026

The Moon's giant canyons, known as Schrödinger Valley and Planck Valley, were formed by an asteroid or comet impact so powerful that it released energy equivalent to detonating the Earth's entire nuclear arsenal 130 times over. This staggering conclusion comes from a 2025 study that analyzed these massive geological features near the lunar south pole.

The research reveals that these two canyons, each hundreds of kilometers long, were carved in less than 15 minutes—a blink of an eye in geological terms. The findings not only shed light on the Moon's violent past but also have implications for NASA's plans to return humans to the lunar surface.

What Are the Moon's Giant Canyons?

The Moon's giant canyons are two enormous linear valleys: Schrödinger Valley and Planck Valley. They radiate outward from a point in the Schrödinger basin, located near the lunar south pole. These canyons are 270 and 280 kilometers long, respectively, and 2.7 and 3.5 kilometers deep.

For comparison, the Grand Canyon in the United States is about 446 kilometers long and up to 1.8 kilometers deep. So while the lunar canyons are shorter, they are significantly deeper and were formed in a fraction of the time—not by slow erosion over millions of years, but by a catastrophic impact.

How Were These Canyons Formed?

The study, published in 2025, used detailed morphological analysis to determine that the canyons were created by the impact of a large asteroid or comet. The impact occurred near the Schrödinger basin, and the resulting explosion sent shockwaves across the lunar surface, carving out the two valleys in under 15 minutes.

This rapid formation is in stark contrast to Earth's canyons, which are typically shaped by rivers over millions of years. The lunar canyons are essentially scars left by a single, violent event.

The Energy Equivalent: 130 Nuclear Arsenals

To put the energy of this impact into perspective, the study estimated that it was equivalent to detonating the entire nuclear arsenal of the Earth 130 times. This unimaginable force is a reminder of the violent history of our solar system.

The impact would have had profound effects on the Moon, potentially ejecting material into space and creating secondary craters. Some of this material may have even reached Earth, although that is speculative.

Why This Matters for Future Lunar Missions

NASA's Artemis program aims to return humans to the Moon, specifically to the south pole region. The Schrödinger basin, where the canyons originate, is relatively close to potential landing sites. Understanding the geology of this area is crucial for planning safe and scientifically productive missions.

The canyons themselves could serve as natural laboratories for studying the Moon's subsurface materials. The impact excavated deep into the lunar crust, potentially exposing materials that are otherwise hidden. The background to this story is set out in Andy Burnham Energy Plan Could Cut Bills by £130. A related thread runs through Andy Burnham Energy Plan Could Cut Bills by £130 Annually. Earlier coverage in Andy Burnham Energy Plan Could Slash Bills by £130 a Year shows how the argument developed.

Key Takeaways

• The Moon's Schrödinger and Planck valleys were formed in under 15 minutes by a massive impact.
• The energy released was equivalent to 130 times the Earth's nuclear arsenal.
• The canyons are 270-280 km long and 2.7-3.5 km deep, much deeper than the Grand Canyon.
• They are located near the lunar south pole, close to NASA's Artemis landing sites.
• Studying these features can provide insights into the Moon's composition and history.

Comparing the Canyons

What to Watch Next

Future lunar missions, including those under NASA's Artemis program, may visit the Schrödinger basin to study these canyons up close. Such missions could collect samples from the canyon walls, providing direct evidence of the impact and the Moon's deep crust. A closer look at the same subject appears in North Korea's New Uranium Facility Expands Nuclear Arsenal. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Science: latest articles. The same theme surfaces in Tunguska Event: The 1908 Siberian Space Explosion Explained, which takes a different angle.

Additionally, the study's authors suggest that similar impact features may exist on other rocky bodies in the solar system, such as Mercury or Mars. Comparative studies could help us understand the prevalence of such violent events in the solar system's history. Context on how this played out before sits in China's Tianwen-2 Mission to Reach Kamo'oalewa Asteroid. A companion piece, Moon's Giant Canyons: Energy of 130 Nuclear Arsenals, approaches the same subject from another angle.