Artemis II astronauts observe lunar impact flashes

During the Artemis II mission in April 2026, astronauts observed multiple flashes of light on the Moon's surface. The crew, consisting of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen, identified five distinct flashes while orbiting the Moon at a distance of approximately 74,000 kilometres.

NASA confirmed these flashes were caused by small rocky fragments, likely only a few inches across, striking the lunar surface at high velocities. Because the Moon lacks a significant atmosphere to incinerate incoming objects, even small pieces of debris can collide directly with the terrain, creating observable bursts of light.

The observations were part of a scientific experiment designed to provide insights into lunar impacts. While scientists initially considered whether the flashes could be cosmic rays or reflections from the Orion spacecraft, a thorough examination substantiated the crew's reports. These findings build upon similar phenomena noted by Apollo astronauts and represent some of the faintest lunar impact flashes ever observed without specialized equipment.