September A strange circular feature spotted on satellite imagery in Canada’s Quebec province has been confirmed as a massive meteorite impact structure dating back approximately 390 million years.

The structure, known as Uhackatik, is about 25 kilometres (16 miles) wide and is located near Lake Marsal in Quebec’s remote Côte-Nord region. The discovery began when amateur astronomer Joël Lapointe noticed the unusual circular feature while examining satellite maps while planning a trip.

A Strange Circle on a Satellite Map

Lapointe first noticed the feature in 2024. Its unusual circular shape led him to wonder whether it could be an ancient impact crater.

He contacted researchers in Europe and North America, eventually drawing the attention of planetary geologist Gordon Osinski of Western University. Osinski initially approached the claim cautiously because many apparent crater-like structures turn out to have geological explanations unrelated to meteorite impacts.

Scientists Travelled Into Remote Wilderness

Researchers organised a field expedition to investigate the site in October 2025.

Reaching the location was challenging. The team travelled by floatplane and had to cross roughly 50 metres of water to reach the shore with their equipment. Dense vegetation, wetlands and rugged terrain made the investigation particularly difficult.

The researchers eventually discovered shatter cones, distinctive geological formations produced by the extreme shock pressures associated with major impacts. They also identified impact-melt rocks and other structural features supporting an extraterrestrial impact origin.

Evidence Points to an Ancient Impact

Rock analysis indicates that the impact occurred roughly 390 million years ago, during the Devonian Period—long before dinosaurs appeared.

The structure has a diameter of approximately 25 kilometres and includes a central uplift and cliffs displaying geological features associated with a large complex impact structure.

NASA notes that Earth has roughly 200 confirmed impact structures, although scientists believe many more ancient craters remain undiscovered because erosion, vegetation and geological processes can hide their signatures.

Named Uhackatik

Following discussions with the Ekuanitshit Innu Council, researchers named the structure Uhackatik.

The discovery is significant not only because of the crater’s size and age, but also because its identification demonstrates how publicly available satellite imagery can help researchers locate geological structures that are difficult to recognise from ground level.

A Discovery That Started With Amateur Observation

The story began outside a formal scientific expedition. Lapointe was examining satellite maps while looking for a possible camping location when he noticed the unusual landscape.

His observation eventually led professional researchers to conduct field investigations and collect geological evidence.

Scientists will continue studying samples from the site to better understand the impact’s age, formation and possible effects on the geology of ancient Earth.