Astronomer Captures Two Meteors Striking the Moon on Video
Japanese astronomer Daichi Fujii, curator of the Hiratsuka City Museum, recorded two bright meteors colliding with the Moon on video on Thursday, Oct. 30, and again on Saturday, Nov. 1. The brief flashes, visible to ground‑based observers, were captured with a high‑speed camera aimed at the lunar surface, providing clear visual evidence of the impacts.
Lunar impacts are relatively common, with dozens of small meteoroids striking the Moon each day, but only a fraction are bright enough to be seen from Earth. The observed events produced luminous flashes lasting a fraction of a second, consistent with meteoroids estimated to be a few centimeters in diameter. Such observations help refine estimates of impact rates and the distribution of meteoroid sizes in near‑Earth space.
Experts noted that video documentation of lunar impacts, while not new, remains valuable for scientific analysis. Researchers can use the timing, brightness, and location of the flashes to infer the kinetic energy of the impactors and assess the composition of the impacting material. The data may also contribute to broader studies of meteoroid streams that intersect Earth’s orbit, offering insights relevant to planetary‑defense initiatives and the safety of future lunar missions.
Authorities and scientific institutions plan to continue systematic monitoring of the Moon for similar events, employing networks of telescopes and automated cameras worldwide. The continued collection of impact data is expected to improve predictive models and support the development of mitigation strategies for both Earth‑bound and lunar infrastructure. Fujii’s recordings add to a growing archive that underscores the dynamic nature of the Earth‑Moon environment.
