A SpaceX rocket is drifting towards a collision with the Moon, potentially creating a visible impact flash from Earth. The rocket’s upper stage, equivalent to a five-story building, is set to strike the Moon on Wednesday, forming a crater and releasing dust and debris.
Initially launched by SpaceX last year for a US-Japanese mission carrying lunar landers and scientific gear, the abandoned segment, measuring about 40ft and weighing 10,000lb, will crash into the Moon. Experts suggest that the collision could have been prevented by redirecting the upper stage into solar orbit.
Forecasted by space-tracking specialist Bill Gray, the rocket is expected to hit the Moon at a speed of 5,400mph, approximately seven times the speed of sound. The impact is anticipated to occur near Einstein Crater on the Moon’s illuminated western side.
Although the collision itself may not be visible from Earth, astronomers believe that the impact flash, lasting less than a second, could be observable through powerful telescopes. The resulting plume of dust and debris is likely to be more visible, potentially extending several miles above the lunar surface and remaining observable through telescopes for an extended period.
Dr. Matt Bothwell, a public astronomer at the University of Cambridge, mentioned that individuals with advanced telescopes may detect a flash emanating from the Moon’s surface. Observers in the eastern US, Canada, and parts of South America are expected to have a prime viewing opportunity.
While the current space debris is not a major concern, scientists emphasize the increasing threat posed by the accumulation of objects in orbit. Gray emphasized the crowded space environment and plans to observe the aftermath from New Brunswick, Canada.
This incident marks the second instance of an unintentional rocket collision with the Moon. Previously, a Chinese rocket segment created craters on the Moon’s far side in 2022. Benjamin Fernando from Los Alamos National Laboratory expressed interest in assessing the impact’s potential hazard to future astronauts, predicting a 90ft wide and 16ft deep crater.
Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell assured that this impact will not pose a significant problem currently but stressed the importance of preventing similar occurrences in the future, especially with the prospect of long-term lunar bases. McDowell emphasized the need to avoid leaving rocket stages in erratic orbits to ensure lunar safety.