Lunar impact flash detected on the Moon

The event demonstrated how kinetic energy is converted into heat and light, momentarily vaporizing lunar material and creating a flash bright enough to be seen from Earth.

Because the Moon lacks an atmosphere to burn up incoming debris, even golf-ball-sized objects strike the surface at incredible speeds (estimated at 35 km/s for this event). Studying these flashes is vital for understanding the impact risks posed to future lunar bases and astronauts.