Two independent from each other teams of astronomers have recorded the collision of a meteorite with the surface of the moon. It was 100 m for all such observations of the natural Earth satellite, which was launched in the framework of the special research project in 2017.
The results of observations are summarized in a brief report that appeared on the website of the European space Agency ESA. The collision of the meteorite, which looks in pictures like a bright ball of fire, with the Moon was recorded by project’s mission NELIOTA.
Flash hit the lens of the camera, which is installed on Board the Orbiter Impacts the Lunar and Optical TrAnsients. With its help astronomers track flashes from impacts of celestial objects on the back side of the moon. She is not illuminated by the Sun, therefore, to such observations it is more convenient.
In this case we are talking about the outbreak, which was the anniversary 100-th in a row since the start of this project. Value she adds that the first such outbreak was recorded not one but two telescopes.
She was also discovered using a 35-cm telescope staff Serginskiy lunar Observatory (SLIO). A special research group was recently established the Academy of astronomy, space Sciences and technologies Sharjah (UAE). Comparison shots of the two missions showed that the telescopes recorded the same flash.
The event took place on March 1, 2020. By the way, after that, astronomers witnessed two more blows fireballs on the surface of the moon on the reverse side. That is, the total number of flares during the observations increased to 102’s.
As for the anniversary of the strike, that space object, according to scientists, was quite small. Probably, its weight does not exceed 100 grams, and the diameter of its size barely reached 5 see Like meteorites often fall to Earth, but because of the modest dimensions go unnoticed.
By the way, this project was created NELIOTA. Its main objective is to assess potential threats posed by meteorites and asteroids of the Earth. In addition, the mission aims to better understand the mechanism of the "pull" the Moon of celestial bodies that potentially threaten our planet.
However, most meteors and small asteroids do not reach Earth’s surface, as the burn in her tight and "large" atmosphere. On the moon is different because the atmosphere of this satellite is much thinner than earth’s.
It is estimated that its total weight does not hold up to 10 tons. This is enough to make even a tiny meteorites at great speed without resistance could crash into the moon, causing a bright flash and leaving behind a noticeable impact crater.
