Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Atomic-S on 29/05/2015 03:31:28

Title: Are lunar craters still forming?
Post by: Atomic-S on 29/05/2015 03:31:28

Have the formation of new craters on the moon been observed since the beginning of space probes sent there?

Title: Re: Are lunar craters still forming?
Post by: PmbPhy on 29/05/2015 03:47:04

Quote from: Atomic-S

Have the formation of new craters on the moon been observed since the beginning of space probes sent there?

Yes. The most recent event occurred in March of 2013 and was visible with the naked eye. See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_craters#History

Quote

The formation of new craters is studied in the lunar impact monitoring program at NASA. The biggest recorded creation was caused by an impact recorded on March 17, 2013. The explosion which was visible with the naked eye, is believed to be from an approximately 40 kg meteoroid hitting the moon with a speed of 90000 km/h.

Title: Re: Are lunar craters still forming?
Post by: evan_au on 30/05/2015 22:55:07

Several space probes have been intentionally crashed into the Moon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_lunar_probes#1990.E2.80.931999), to prevent buildup of space junk in Lunar orbit.
These crashes would have created their own little craters.