Before-and-after NASA images show crater carved by a SpaceX rocket that slammed into the moon
- NASA released before-and-after images from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter showing the impact site of a SpaceX Falcon rocket upper stage on the moon.
- The rocket’s upper stage hit the moon on Aug. 5 at about 5,400 mph after drifting in space for more than a year.
- Scientists said the new crater appears to be about 60 feet across and less than 10 feet deep.
- The images show dark and bright streaks radiating from the crater, with the darker material likely excavated near-surface dust and the brighter material fresher rock and soil.
- NASA said the orbiter photographed the site about a week after the collision from about 60 miles above the lunar surface.
NASA has released before-and-after images of a fresh crater on the moon made by a SpaceX rocket upper stage. The pictures were taken by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which has been circling the moon since 2009.
According to NASA and scientists, the Falcon rocket stage struck the lunar surface on Aug. 5 after drifting through space for more than a year. The impact was estimated at about 5,400 mph.
Researchers said the crater appears to be roughly 60 feet across and less than 10 feet deep. The images also show dark and bright streaks extending from the impact site, reflecting material thrown out from near the surface and from deeper below.
NASA said the orbiter captured the scene about a week after the collision from about 60 miles above the moon. The spacecraft had to tilt to point its cameras at the site as it passed overhead.
NASA前后对比图显示SpaceX火箭撞击月球留下的陨坑
NASA公布了月球表面一个新陨坑的撞击前后图像，这个陨坑由SpaceX火箭上面级撞击形成。相关照片由月球勘测轨道器拍摄，该探测器自2009年以来一直绕月运行。
据NASA和科学家介绍，这枚猎鹰火箭上面级在太空中漂移一年多后，于8月5日撞上月球表面，撞击速度约为每小时5400英里。
研究人员表示，这个陨坑直径大约60英尺，深度不到10英尺。图像还显示撞击点向外延伸出深浅不同的条带，反映出来自表层附近以及更深处的喷出物。
NASA称，轨道器在碰撞发生约一周后、距月面约60英里的高度拍到了这一地点。探测器在经过时必须调整姿态，让相机对准撞击区域。