The enigma surrounding the moon crash on March 4, 2022, resulting in a double crater measuring approximately 29 meters in width on the moon’s far side, has been resolved by a team of astronomers from the University of Arizona. They identified the object as the third and uppermost stage of China’s Long March 3C rocket, which launched the Chang’e 5-T1 mission in October 2014.
Conducting trajectory and spectroscopic analyses based on ground-based telescope observations, Tanner Campbell and his team from the University of Arizona’s Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering confirmed in a study published in the Planetary Science Journal that WE0913A was indeed the Long March 3C rocket body from the Chang’e 5-T1 mission.
Despite the scientific confirmation, Chinese officials have disputed the findings, asserting that the Long March 3C’s upper stage burned up in Earth’s atmosphere after the Chang’e 5-T1 launch. In contrast, the U.S. Space Command has supported the University of Arizona’s claim, maintaining that the object never re-entered Earth’s atmosphere.
The study also delves into the distinctive crater resulting from the moon crash. By comparing the light curve of the Chinese rocket with thousands of simulated space objects, researchers revealed specific characteristics. The object’s stable tumbling behavior suggests a dumbbell-like structure, possibly attributed to the considerable mass at each end, such as the upper stage’s two engines.
The occurrence of a double crater is unprecedented, emphasizing the need for two roughly equal masses apart from each other. However, the mystery surrounding the additional mass persists, with speculations about its nature and purpose. Campbell concluded, “We probably won’t ever know.”
Post Your Comments