Photo credit: Peta Pixel
Astrophysicist Dr. Jose Maria Madiedo spotted a meteorite hitting the moon during the total lunar eclipse and managed to capture it on video. He observed the meteorite flash through Spain’s “Moons Impacts Detection and Analysis System” (MIDAS), which is run by the University of Huelva and the Institution of Astrophysics of Andalucia. It uses data from several astronomical observatories throughout the country to track flashes on the moon’s surface and gather information about the rate of lunar impacts. “We employ an array of telescopes endowed with high-sensitivity cameras that monitor the lunar surface in order to detect these events,” said Madiedo. Read more for another video and additional information.
“The impact took place during the totality phase of the lunar eclipse. The flash was produced by a rock (a meteoroid) that hit the lunar ground,” adds Madiedo.
“The astrophysicist tells New Scientist that he estimates the size of the meteorite to be about that of a football and the weight to be about 2 kilograms (4.4lbs),” according to Peta Pixel.