A amateur astronomer’s routine search for hiking routes on Google Maps has led to the identification of a massive 15.5-mile-wide meteorite impact crater in Quebec, Canada. Named Uhackatik, the site was confirmed by geologists following an investigation, marking one of the biggest impact crater discoveries in recent years, according to the Canadian Press.
The Discovery of the Uhackatik Crater
Joël Lapointe, an amateur astronomer based in Quebec, first noticed the circular depression while planning a road trip through the Côte-Nord region in late 2023. After failing to locate the feature in any existing crater databases, he contacted researchers to verify his observations, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
The site is located approximately 62 miles north of the town of Magpie. Following consultations with the Ekuanitshit Innu Council, the structure was officially named Uhackatik. Scientists estimate the crater formed roughly 390 million years ago, a period predating dinosaurs and humans, during which Earth’s biological landscape was home to primitive amphibians.
Did you know?
Scientists typically identify only one or two new impact craters worldwide each year. According to the Canadian Press, Canada had not reported a newly discovered crater since 2010.
Field Verification and Evidence of Impact
Gordon Osinski, a planetary geologist at Western University who oversees the Impact Earth database, led the validation efforts. While Osinski frequently reviews reports from the public that do not result in new discoveries, the circular topography of the Uhackatik site prompted a formal investigation, according to the Canadian Press.
In 2025, a research team traveled to the remote location by float plane. Osinski described the expedition as one of the most “arduous” he has conducted due to the rugged nature of the terrain, according to Live Science. The team identified two primary pieces of physical evidence confirming the site’s origin:
- Shatter cones: Unique, cone-shaped rock formations created by the intense shock waves of a high-velocity impact.
- Impact melt rock: Material formed when the extreme heat and pressure of a meteorite strike liquefies the surrounding bedrock.
Why Preserved Craters Matter for Planetary Science
Ancient impact craters are notoriously difficult to find because erosion and ongoing geologic activity often erase surface evidence over hundreds of millions of years. Well-preserved sites like Uhackatik provide scientists with a clearer window into how meteorite collisions have shaped the Earth’s history, according to Space.com.
Researchers use these terrestrial sites to create models that help interpret impact craters on other worlds, including the moon and Mars. The team is currently analyzing additional rock samples for microscopic evidence before submitting their findings for formal publication, according to Space.com. The discovery is scheduled to be presented at the 88th Annual Meeting of the Meteoritical Society in Germany this August, according to the Canadian Press.
Pro Tip:
Citizen science continues to be a powerful tool in modern research. As Lapointe noted, observers should not ignore their intuition or observations, even when the subject falls outside their primary field of expertise.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was the Uhackatik crater discovered?
The crater was identified by amateur astronomer Joël Lapointe while he was using Google Maps to plan a camping trip in Quebec’s Côte-Nord region.
When did the impact occur?
Geologists estimate the crater was formed approximately 390 million years ago, according to the Canadian Press.
What evidence confirms it is a meteorite crater?
Researchers identified shatter cones and impact melt rock at the site, both of which are considered definitive geological evidence of a high-velocity meteorite impact.
Where can I learn more about impact craters?
Researchers and interested members of the public can explore the Impact Earth database managed by Western University.
Have you ever spotted a unique geological feature while exploring online maps? Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments section below, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on planetary science discoveries.
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