Between December 6 and 8, 2024, the Moon it was the scene of spectacular events meteorite impacts. These events generated bright flashes observable from Earth, attracting the attention of astronomers and enthusiasts around the world. The lunar surface, which has no atmosphere, is particularly vulnerable to these collisions, which offer a rare opportunity to study crater formation processes.
In particular, on December 8, 2024, at 10.34pm and 35 secondsa sudden flash it illuminated the shadow side of the Moon. This phenomenon, imaged by high-speed instruments, has been confirmed through telescopes in various locations. Observers described the impact as an intense and fleeting flash, visible thanks to the ashen light reflected from the Earth.
The causes: meteors and meteor showers
These flashes are often linked to meteor showers, such as Geminidsactive precisely at this time of year. During these phenomena, fragments of asteroids and comets, called meteoroids, hit the lunar surface at very high speeds. The impacts generate heat and light, making the phenomenon visible even to the naked eye or with amateur instruments.
The Moon offers a unique opportunity to observe and analyze the cosmic impact processes. In fact, bright flashes are a direct indicator of collisions and allow us to estimate the size and speed of meteoroids. Each impact contributes to changing the lunar landscape, enriching our understanding of the universe.
今夜はもう1つ月面衝突閃光がありました。2024年12月8日22時34分35秒に自宅から360fpsで撮影し(スロー再生)、複数台の望遠鏡で確認できました。連日明るい流星や火球が流れていますが、月面衝突閃光も続けて捉えられています。 pic.twitter.com/iHUq9EuXQg
— 藤井大地 (@dfuji1) December 8, 2024