Impact crater formation is the study of how craters are created on the surface of celestial bodies such as planets, moons, and asteroids. Craters are formed when a high-velocity object, such as a meteorite or asteroid, collides with the surface of a celestial body. This impact creates a crater, which can vary in size and shape depending on the size and speed of the impacting object. Researchers in this area study the processes and effects of impact crater formation, including the physical characteristics of craters, the geological changes they cause, and the environmental impact of such events. By studying impact crater formation, scientists can gain insight into the history of celestial bodies, the dynamics of impact events, and the potential hazards posed by future impacts on Earth and other planets.