SpaceX rocket stage to strike moon on Aug 5, 2026

A discarded SpaceX rocket stage is on a collision course with the moon and is expected to strike the lunar surface on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The impact will create a new crater and provide scientists with a rare opportunity to study the effects of a well-tracked, human-made object hitting the moon.

The upper stage of the rocket, which launched more than a year ago on January 15, 2025, is predicted to slam into the moon at approximately 5,400 miles per hour near the Einstein Crater on the sunlit western limb. Space tracking expert Bill Gray, who calculated the trajectory, noted the impact will release energy equivalent to three tons of TNT. While the brief flash from the collision will likely be too dim for casual observers to see, the resulting plume of dust and rubble could stretch for several miles and remain visible through telescopes for tens of minutes. The best viewing opportunities are expected across eastern North America and much of South America.

Scientists emphasize this specific event poses no danger but serves as a stark reminder of the growing issue of orbital debris as lunar activity increases. "Things are getting crowded up there," said Gray, who plans to...