A U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory
A SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage has struck the Moon near Einstein Crater at about 5,400 mph, carving a new crater and launching a dust plume. South Korea’s Danuri orbiter has photographed the site and released images. NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter is scheduled to image the impact next week while scientists begin analysing ejecta and crater formation.
A series of high-altitude eclipse observations are under way across Europe, North America and beyond. NASA-backed aircraft chase the moon’s shadow to extend totality, while airlines offer special flights and Iberia livestreams the event from Spain.