Artemis II astronauts see flashes on Moon's far side
Updated
Updated · leonarddavid.com · May 8
Artemis II astronauts see flashes on Moon's far side
6 articles · Updated · leonarddavid.com · May 8
The Orion spacecraft carried 31 cameras, while the crew made visual observations during the lunar flyby and scientists began archiving mission data in NASA's Planetary Data System.
Researchers say trained astronauts can detect possible meteoroid impact flashes that are extremely difficult for cameras to capture on the Moon's darkened far side.
The observations could add to lunar impact science as NASA's Artemis programme prepares for later missions aimed at returning humans to the Moon.
With AI advancing, how long will the human eye remain essential for making new lunar discoveries?
What mysterious green hues did astronauts spot on the Moon that our advanced cameras completely missed?
Are future Moon bases at greater risk from meteoroids than NASA's original plans accounted for?
Artemis II Reveals Lunar Impact Flash Frequency and Risks to Future Moon Infrastructure
Overview
The Artemis II mission in April 2026 achieved the first crewed lunar flyby since 1972, enabling astronauts to observe several meteoroid impact flashes on the Moon's far side during a rare solar eclipse. These unique observations, combined with data analysis and cross-referencing with amateur astronomers, advanced our understanding of lunar geology and impact hazards. The mission also revealed vulnerabilities in the Orion spacecraft's heat shield, prompting safety improvements. Building on this, the upcoming Artemis III will deploy a seismic monitoring station to study the Moon's interior. Together, these efforts support the development of safer habitats and technologies, paving the way for sustainable human presence on the Moon and future Mars exploration.