Canada man spots unusual circular pit on Google Maps, scientists say it may be a 390-million-year-old meteor impact crater, findings to be presented at global conference next month

What began as one man's observation of a strange circular feature in a remote part of Canada's Quebec has now become the focus of scientific research. Experts believe the formation could be a previously unknown meteor impact crater dating back nearly 390 million years.

The research will take another major step next month, when scientists present their findings at one of the world's biggest planetary science gatherings in Germany, reports CBC News.

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How a Google Maps search led to a scientific investigation

Daniel Breton, a resident of Quebec, noticed an unusual circular depression while exploring satellite imagery on Google Maps. The nearly perfect ring-shaped feature caught his attention because it looked unlike the surrounding landscape. Curious, Breton contacted experts to find out whether it could have an unusual origin.


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His observation eventually reached Gordon Osinski, a planetary geologist and professor at Western University in Canada, who specializes in meteorite impact craters.

Intrigued by the satellite images, Osinski and his research team decided to investigate further.

Scientists believe it could be a hidden meteor impact crater

After examining satellite imagery, geological maps and field evidence, researchers concluded that the structure has many characteristics consistent with an ancient impact crater.

According to the team, the formation measures roughly 15 kilometres across and is located in a remote region of Quebec.

If confirmed, it would become one of only a few known meteorite impact craters in the province and add to Canada's long list of impact structures.

Researchers estimate the crater could be around 390 million years old, although additional studies are still needed to verify both its age and origin.

Field expedition uncovered promising evidence

Scientists later visited the remote site to collect rock samples and document geological features.

During the expedition, researchers identified several characteristics commonly associated with meteorite impacts, strengthening the case that the circular structure may have formed after a massive space rock collided with Earth millions of years ago.

However, experts stressed that more laboratory analysis is required before the site can be officially recognized as a confirmed impact crater.

Research to be presented at an international science conference

The discovery is now drawing international attention.

Next month, in Germany, Osinski will present the team's research abstract at the annual congress of the Meteoritical Society — an international organization dedicated to promoting research in planetary sciences.

Presenting the research at the conference will allow scientists from around the world to examine the evidence, discuss the findings and provide feedback before further studies are completed.

The presentation does not mean the crater has been officially confirmed, but it marks an important milestone in the scientific review process.

Researchers say identifying an impact crater involves much more than spotting a circular feature from space.

They must find unmistakable geological evidence created by the extreme pressures generated during a meteorite impact. That process can take years and often requires multiple field visits, laboratory testing and peer-reviewed research.

What Gordon Osinski said

Speaking about the discovery, Gordon Osinski acknowledged the important role played by public curiosity.

"Without Daniel, this wouldn't have happened."

He also emphasized that the evidence collected so far is encouraging but that further scientific work remains essential before drawing final conclusions.

Why this discovery matters

Canada already has one of the highest numbers of confirmed meteorite impact craters in the world, but experts believe many more remain hidden beneath forests, lakes and layers of sediment.

If the Quebec structure is officially confirmed, it could provide valuable clues about Earth's geological history, ancient meteorite impacts and the evolution of the planet's surface over hundreds of millions of years.

For now, all eyes are on Germany next month, where the research will be presented to the global planetary science community, bringing this remarkable Google Maps discovery one step closer to scientific validation.