What can scientists learn from a stray SpaceX rocket hitting the Moon?
A spent SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage has collided with the Moon, creating a crater near the Einstein landmark. Scientists are using the impact as a unique research opportunity to study lunar geology.
Why it matters
Accidental lunar impacts provide rare, controlled-energy data points that help planetary scientists understand the Moon's surface composition and impact dynamics.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, The last time it was confirmed that part of a rocket had collided with the Moon by accident was in 2022
A stray SpaceX rocket is believed to have crashed into the Moon, forming a crater near a famous lunar landmark and giving scientists a unique research opportunity that could help future missions.
The empty upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket was due to strike the Moon near the Einstein crater at a speed of about 5,400mph (8,700km/h) on Wednesday.
The short, dramatic flash it created would have been hard to catch by amateur astronomers even with high-end telescopes, but larger observatories in the Americas are analysing the information.
It could be days or even weeks before the full picture of what happened and what we can learn from it is known - but for planetary geologists, this accidental collision is a scientific gift.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in