Imagine witnessing a cosmic collision up close! Japanese astronomer Daichi Fujii recently captured two stunning meteor impacts on the moon's surface, and the videos are nothing short of breathtaking. But what's even more fascinating is that these impacts coincided with the Southern Taurid meteor shower's peak activity around November 5.
Fujii, curator of the Hiratsuka City Museum, used cameras aimed at the moon's nightside to record the dramatic flashes. The first impact occurred on October 30 at 8:30 p.m. Japan Standard Time, and the second happened on November 1 at 8:49 p.m. Japan Standard Time. According to Fujii, the October 30 flash appeared east of the Gassendi Crater, and calculations suggest the impactor was likely part of the Taurid meteor stream, striking the moon at a velocity of 27 km/s (60,000 mph) and an angle of 35 degrees.
The moon's surface is a cosmic canvas, painted with craters from meteor impacts. Unlike Earth, which has a thick atmosphere that protects it from most meteors, the moon's thin atmosphere makes it vulnerable to impacts. This means that even small meteoroids can create massive craters, tens of feet across. For instance, a rock just 11 pounds (5 kilograms) in mass can gouge a crater over 30 feet (9 meters) wide and eject over 75 metric tons of lunar soil and rock.
Fujii's observations are part of a larger effort to monitor lunar impacts. He has documented 60 flashes so far and notes that the timing of these impacts aligns with the Taurid meteor shower's period of increased activity. But here's the thing: are these impacts part of the Taurid meteor shower, or are they just sporadic meteors? The debate is open! Do you think these impacts are related to the Taurid meteor shower, or are they just a coincidence? Share your thoughts!
Fujii's work highlights the importance of continued lunar monitoring. As we explore the night sky, we're constantly reminded of the universe's power and mystery. What do you think is the most fascinating aspect of meteor impacts on the moon? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Dive deeper:
What's the difference between meteoroids, meteors, and meteorites?
How do meteoroids form craters on the moon's surface?
What are the best ways to observe the Taurid meteor shower?
