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Ground and Space Based
Observations

Lunar CRater Observation and Sensing
Satellite (LCROSS)

Terrestrial and Lunar Phases at
Impact

The image below shows the phase of the Moon as seen from
the Earth at the projected time of impact, 11:30 UTC on October 9, 2009.
The impact will occur very near the lunar south pole. The impact plume
should rise off the southern cusp, where the illuminated face of the comes
to an apparent point at the southern extreme of the Moon (see the circled
area on the image below). The plume of debris could rise off the limb of
the Moon, into the sunlight, and, become illuminated against the dark
background of space. The plume should be big enough and bright enough to
see in 10 to 12-inch telescopes. However, we do not anticipate it being
visible in binoculars or to the unaided eye.

The image below shows the terrestrial landmasses that will
be facing the Moon at the projected time of impact. This is the view of
the Earth as seen from the lunar south pole at the time of impact. If your
observing location is visible in this view of the Earth, that means that
the Moon will be in the sky for you at the time of impact. If your
location is to the east of the areas shown below, the Moon will have set
at your location before impact occurs. If your location is to the west of
the areas shown below, impact occurs before moonrise at your location.

The image below again shows the view of the Earth as seen
from the lunar south pole at the time of impact. Unlike the image above,
we now show which portions of the Earth facing the Moon will be in
daylight and which will see the Moon in a dark sky. This is important
since plume will not be bright enough to see in daylight. Those areas on
the right sde of the image below are lit and will experience impact during
daylight hours. The areas on the left part of the image are in darkness,
and will see impact in the night sky. Note that impact occurs near sunrise
on the East Coast of North America. For much of the Central Time Zone in
North America, impact will occur during morning twilight. Using desk-top
planetarium software on your computer can provide detailed observing
conditions for your specific location.

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Editor: Brian Day
NASA
Official: Daniel Andrews
Last Updated:August 2009