BOFFINS have discovered what could be a GIANT asteroid crater in central Africa.

The giant impact crater which measures nearly 30 MILES across may be one of the largest discovered in the past decade.

The ring shape was spotted by Italian researchers who presented their findings, visible on this satellite image, at a conference in Texas, US.

Only 25 craters of a similar size to the one discovered in the DR Congo exist on Earth.

Scientist Geovanni Monetago said the amazing crater had only been discovered because so many trees were chopped down in the area.

Mr Monetago said: "I am quite optimistic about an impact crater origin for this ring."

If the ring was a space impact, the scientists have said it would have to have been caused by something measuring about 2km across.

Further studies will be required to accurately determine an age for the ring, but it appears to post-date the Ju****ic Period.