Stray SpaceX rocket hit the Moon, opening a rare crater study
What's next: NASA and other observers will compare before-and-after images to measure the dust plume and the new crater near Einstein crater.
A spent upper stage from a SpaceX Falcon 9 slammed into the Moon early Wednesday after drifting for months on an unintended collision course, creating what scientists say is a rare chance to study a fresh lunar impact. NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies had projected the strike at about 06:35 GMT near Einstein crater. The rocket section, launched from Florida in January 2025, was traveling about 5,400 mph when it hit. Scientists expect the crash to have blasted dust high above the surface and carved a new crater. Larger observatories, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and South Korea’s Danuri probe are expected to examine the site in the coming days and weeks for clues about lunar soil and subsurface material.