Two Grand Canyon-size features on the far side of the moon were likely formed in about 10 minutes after an unknown object slammed into the moon 3.8 billion years ago.

The Grand Canyon in Arizona is one of Earth's natural wonders, carved out over millions of years by the gradual erosion power of the Colorado River. Close to the moon's south pole are two canyons each comparable in size to the Grand Canyon that were born in a much different process.

The incoming object created an impact basin and sent streams of rocks hurtling like missiles, NASA said. Within minutes, two canyons comparable in size to Arizona's Grand Canyon were formed.

A colossal impact billions of years ago carved out the canyons that rival the most breathtaking features here on Earth in a matter of minutes,