SpaceX Rocket Stage Believed to Have Crashed into Moon
A four-tonne piece of a SpaceX rocket is believed to have unintentionally crashed into the Moon, leaving behind a lunar crater. The impact posed no danger to Earth, but scientists and amateur stargazers were eager to observe the resulting plume of rubble and debris. NASA and South Korea's Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter are planning to take images of the site.
Key points
- A 4,000 kg piece of the SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage is believed to have crashed into the Moon's northern hemisphere near the Ejecta Imbrium crater.
- The impact was expected to create a sunlit plume of debris, potentially observable with a telescope.
- NASA and South Korea's Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter are planning to take images of the site after impact.
- The collision posed no danger to Earth, but is expected to leave behind a lunar crater.
- Scientists are eager to study the event to learn more about the Moon's geology and the impact's effects.
SpaceX Rocket Stage Believed to Have Crashed into Moon
A four-tonne piece of a SpaceX rocket is believed to have unintentionally crashed into the Moon, leaving behind a lunar crater. The impact posed no danger to Earth, but scientists and amateur stargazers were eager to observe the resulting plume of rubble and debris.
According to NASA, the Falcon 9 upper stage was expected to make impact at approximately 0635 GMT on August 5, 2026. The collision was expected to create a sunlit plume of debris, potentially observable with a telescope.
NASA and South Korea's Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter are planning to take images of the site after impact. The collision posed no danger to Earth, but is expected to leave behind a lunar crater.
Scientists are eager to study the event to learn more about the Moon's geology and the impact's effects. The event is a rare opportunity for researchers to study the Moon's surface and the effects of space debris on the lunar environment.
Sources
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