SpaceX Falcon 9 stage set to crash into Moon; plume may be visible from Earth

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket stage is set to crash into the Moon in the coming days, Wired reports. Astronomers say the impact could loft a debris plume high enough to be seen from Earth through some telescopes. Wired adds that global observatories are preparing to watch the strike in real time.

The object is a spent Falcon 9 upper stage left on a trajectory that will intersect the lunar surface, and visibility will depend on timing, location, instrument sensitivity, and clear skies, according to Wired. Scientists aim to analyze the ejecta’s brightness and evolution to probe lunar regolith properties, grain sizes, and composition. Watch for observatories and skilled amateurs to post first plume detections, along with confirmation of the impact time and site coordinates. [Developing. This article will be updated.]