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2 clusters · 4 sources · 4 days · First seen · Last updated

Quebec meteorite impact crater discovery

Overview

An amateur astronomer, Joël Lapointe, discovered a massive 25-kilometer-wide impact crater in the remote Côte-Nord region of Quebec, Canada, while examining satellite maps for camping locations in 2024.

Initially, geologists believed the circular formation near Lake Marsal was the result of volcanic activity. However, following Lapointe’s reports, a research team led by planetary geologist Gordon Osinski from Western University conducted field studies in 2025. The team identified shatter cones—rock deformations caused by extreme pressure—which provided definitive evidence of a cosmic collision.

The crater, now named Uhackatik following consultation with the Innu Council of Ekuanitshit, covers approximately 490 square kilometers and is estimated to be roughly 390 million years old. While formal recognition by the Meteoritical Society is pending, researchers consider the impact origin established, noting that such structures may remain hidden by vegetation or erosion.

Entities

Joël Lapointe · Western University · Gordon Osinski · Lake Marsal · Uhackatik

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Quebec impact crater discovered by amateur astronomer

    An amateur astronomer's observation of satellite imagery has led to the discovery of a 390-million-year-old, 25-kilometer-wide impact crater in Quebec, Canada.

  2. 8 days ago

    [TECHNOLOGY] 2 sources
    Quebec impact crater discovered by amateur astronomer

    An amateur astronomer discovered a 25-kilometer-wide impact crater near Lake Marsal in Quebec, Canada, while planning a camping trip using satellite imagery.

Sources

astrobiology.com · geekweek.interia.pl · komercnespravy.pravda.sk · thebrighterside.news