The Artemis 2 astronauts’ observations during their lunar flyby have thrilled NASA scientists. On April 6, the Orion spacecraft crew made its closest approach to the Moon. During the flyby, the astronauts took photos of the lunar surface and made several scientific observations.
Scientists were surprised when the astronauts reported seeing micrometeorite impacts on the lunar surface. According to Kelsey Young, the mission’s lunar science program manager, the moment was so impressive that “audible cheers” were heard at the science center in Houston. According to the astronauts, during the final phase of the lunar approach, when the Sun had been hidden behind the Moon, and a solar eclipse had lasted about an hour, they observed at least 5 micrometeorite impacts on the far side of the Moon.
]]>