MEO: Outreach

NASA All-Sky Fireball Network | Shower Observations | Lunar Impact Monitoring

Lunar Impact Monitoring

The Meteoroid Environment Office (MEO) observes the moon for meteoroid impact flashes about 10 nights per month, when the solar illumination is between 10 to near 50 percent. Two telescopes fitted with astronomical video cameras at the Automated and Lunar and Meteor Observatory at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama are used to detect the flashes on the un-illuminated portion of the moon. The use of the second telescope rules out cosmic rays and noise.

Impact flash detection can be performed with affordable observational equipment – in that way, it is a good project for schools and amateur astronomers to undertake if there is an interest.  If you are interested in observing the moon for impact flashes, see the “Frequently Asked Questions” and “Minimum System Requirements” documents at Lunar Impact Monitoring.