help

What Caused the Bright Crater I Now See on the Moon?

-- | September 16, 2015

Question: Sir Took a picture of the Moon a few days ago and in the lower right hand [corner] a crater was very bright. Was the Moon hit recently? — Bill

Answer: I am not aware of any recent collisions between our Moon and an object that would create a sizeable crater. Note, though, that existing craters on the Moon can appear brighter or dimmer as a function of how they are illuminated by the Sun. For example, a crater can appear quite shadowed one day, then a few days later, when the Sun’s illumination angle has changed to be more direct, appear quite a bit brighter. This may explain your observation.

Jeff Mangum

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Linkedin

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.