Giant pit discovered by hiker on Google Maps confirmed to be 390 million-year-old meteor impact crater - Live Science
A large circular indentation discovered on Google Maps by an amateur astronomer in Quebec has been confirmed by scientists as a 390 million-year-old meteor impact crater. Researchers verified the site by finding evidence of shock metamorphism in geological samples.
Why it matters
This discovery demonstrates the utility of crowdsourced satellite imagery in scientific research and provides new data on planetary history.
Jo l Lapointe was using Google Maps to plan a camping trail through Quebec's C te-Nord region when he stumbled across a large indentation. Now, scientists have confirmed that the pit was indeed a meteor impact crater that dates back roughly 390 million years.
By Pandora Dewan Published 16 July 2026 In News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
The large pit, discovered on Google Maps in 2024, is actually a 390 million-year-old meteor impact crater. (Image credit: Gordon Osinski via Google Earth) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter A large pit discovered by an amateur astronomer on Google Maps in 2024 is actually a 390 million-year-old meteor impact crater , scientists have confirmed.
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