What will happen when a SpaceX rocket collides with the Moon?
Our satellite has endured countless blows over millions of years - and astronomers think this one could be a useful accident.
When a SpaceX rocket collides with the Moon on 5 August, it will create a crater over 17 meters in diameter near the Einstein crater, according to predictions by astronomer Bill Gray. The upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket, weighing at least 4,000kg, will impact the Moon at a speed of 2.43 kilometres per second, or about 5,400mph.
This event, which will be visible to astronomers with sophisticated telescopes, is not dangerous to Earth and will provide valuable scientific insights into lunar impacts. The collision, which will send debris up to 50km into the air, will also highlight the growing issue of space debris and the potential for a runaway cascade of human-made objects in orbit.
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