Will a Satellite Crash into the Moon Tonight?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential impact of a satellite on the Moon, specifically focusing on the timing and visibility of the event. Participants share links to various sources and express uncertainty regarding the exact timing and conditions for observation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the timing of the satellite's impact on the Moon, referencing various sources that suggest it could occur either Saturday night or Sunday morning.
  • Others note that the uncertainty in timing is due to the lack of precise targeting for the crash, as well as insufficient understanding of the Moon's terrain.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the visibility of the impact from amateur telescopes but indicates a willingness to attempt observation if conditions are favorable.
  • There are requests for updates on whether the impact has occurred and if it was visible to observers.
  • Participants share links to news articles and analyses related to the event, contributing to the ongoing exploration of the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the uncertainty surrounding the timing and visibility of the satellite's impact, but no consensus is reached regarding the specifics of the event or its observational potential.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the understanding of the satellite's trajectory and the Moon's surface features, which contribute to the uncertainty in predicting the impact time.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in astronomy, satellite missions, and lunar exploration may find this discussion relevant.

DaveC426913
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Has anyone heard of this?

http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/object/index.cfm?fobjectid=39937"
Jeez, I'm trying to decipher the website to figure out when to look.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Here is some additional information.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20060831/sc_space/ spacecraft settosmackthemoonthisweekend
 
Last edited by a moderator:
And here, too;
http://space.com/scienceastronomy/060831_smart-1_crash.html

They say the impact will either be at about 8:30 saturday night, or 1:30 Sunday morning. The uncertainty is because it is not a precise, targetted crash. They have narrowed down the time of impact to one of two orbits. It will probably hit on Sunday morning, but it might hit on the orbit before that. The orbits take about 5 hours, so the two possible times of impact are 5 hrs apart.
 
I'd be awfully surprised if it would be visible from amateur telescopes, but I'd still try if it were clear here...
 
LURCH said:
The uncertainty is because it is not a precise, targetted crash.
More accurately, they don't have a thorough understanding of the terrain. If it encounters a hill on the first orbit then that'll be the orbit it impacts on.
 
Anybody heard anyhting since the big night? I've been looking and I can't find a reort on when it hit, or if anyone could see it.
 
Ah, closure. Thanks, J.
 
Some photo analysis:

http://www.cfht.hawaii.edu/News/Smart1/"
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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