Greece and ESA track lunar meteoroid impacts

[Kryoneri Observatory]

The European Space Agency and Greece’s National Observatory are jointly investigating meteorite impacts connected the satellite done the NELIOTA program, launched successful 2015.

NELIOTA, present successful its third phase, targets meteoroids traveling up to 60 km per second, assessing their mass, size, temperature and crater effects by observing interaction flashes connected the lunar surface. Because the satellite lacks an atmosphere, these collisions are unfiltered and frankincense observable.

Dr Alexios Liakos of the observatory said that so acold the team has confirmed 193 flashes and 103 campaigner events. Most impacting objects weighed under 200 grams and measured 1-3 cm successful radius, yet their kinetic vigor could harm satellites oregon aboriginal lunar bases.

The task is being conducted astatine the Kryoneri Observatory, which houses Greece’s largest dedicated lunar telescope powered by twin integer cameras and automated investigation software. The latest signifier is funded under Horizon Europe.