So NASA scientists think the Moon has water in its frosty south pole, but there’s only one way to find out. In true science fashion, we’re going to have to blow some stuff up. In this case, NASA is launching the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) for the specific purpose of dive-bombing the moon.
The kamikaze mission will take place tomorrow, October 9, 2009, just after 4:30 AM Pacific Daylight Time (7:30 AM Eastern Daylight time if my math is right). So a little before the time I’m leaving the house to go to work in the morning, NASA is going to be smashing a satellite into our closest neighbor to check for water. This just goes to show you that all life’s mysteries can be solved by blowing things up!
The plume won’t be visible to the naked eye, unfortunately (which makes the whole thing easier to fake). If you’re going to miss it or don’t own a telescope, you can watch the whole thing on NASA TV. It’ll be coming to you live from the secret underground NASA bunker in Area 51.
Tags: NASA, LCROSS, moon bombing, Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, experiments, astronomy, weird science, water on the moon, searching for water, space, NASA TV
