In a stunning astronomical event, a meteor impact was recorded on the Moon, showcasing a brilliant flash visible from Earth. The incident occurred on December 13, 2023, and was particularly notable for its visibility from Japan, where the explosion was observed by local astronomers. The meteoric event was documented by accomplished astronomer Koichi Itagaki, who noted that it was part of the Geminid meteor shower. Itagaki was able to capture the moment using a telescope, which revealed a bright flash as the meteor collided with the lunar surface. This meteor was estimated to have struck the Moon at a speed of about 20 kilometers per second, leading to an explosion equivalent to several tons of TNT. Itagaki commented, ‘I’ve been observing meteors for a long time, but capturing one crashing into the Moon like this is quite rare and exciting for me.’ The event highlights the dynamic and sometimes violent nature of our nearby celestial bodies, offering both amateur and professional astronomers an opportunity to study impacts on the Moon. This incident has sparked interest in further observations, particularly during annual meteor showers, as they can yield rare insights into the cosmos.
Astronomer Captures Spectacular Meteor Strike on the Moon
