(April 6, 2026) - This view of the southwest portion of Orientale Basin highlights its prominent annular ring—a sweeping arc of mountainous terrain formed by the immense energy of an ancient impact. The ring structure rises above the surrounding surface, tracing the basin’s outer boundary and revealing the layered, multi-ring nature of one of the Moon’s most well-preserved impact features. Apollo-era observers nicknamed this formation “the kiss,” reflecting its distinctive, curved shape.

Image Credit: NASA