Scientists in the Dark Over ‘Moonquakes’
Since 1967, astronomers have reported seeing flashes of light emanating from the Moon, usually reddish or pink in color
by Richard and Judy June 8, 2019 (express.co.uk)
• Since 1967, astronomers have reported seeing flashes of light emanating from the Moon, usually reddish or pink in color, and appear to be about 10 miles in diameter. They can last for seconds, minutes or sometimes hours. There can be several such flashes in a single week. Some are smaller “sparkling” flashes that appear to be only a couple of miles wide. There are also corresponding “dark” flashes; periods where the surface of the Moon dims and disappears from our sight.
• Scientists are completely stumped. Some tentatively suggest that these are “Moonquakes”, i.e.: seismic activity that releases subterranean gases which briefly reflect sunlight. If so, then what might explain the dark interludes?
• Two Moon-monitoring telescopes are being set up near Seville in Spain to analyze and explain these Moon flashes.
They can last for seconds, minutes or sometimes hours. There is no previous historical record of these flashes – they were first officially noted in 1967 – which is odd, as there can be several such incidents in a single week. The bursts of light are usually reddish or pink in colour, and appear to be about 10 miles across.
Much brighter “sparkling” or “flowing” flashes are smaller, barely a couple of miles wide.
Meanwhile there are corresponding “dark” flashes; periods where the surface of the Moon dims and disappears from our sight.
Scientists are completely stumped. Some tentatively suggest that we are witnessing “Moonquakes”; seismic activity that releases subterranean gases which briefly reflect sunlight.
But if that is the case, what might explain the dark interludes? Frankly, it’s anyone’s guess and now two Moon-monitoring telescopes are being set up near Seville in Spain. Images of the bright/dark flashes will be analysed and we may soon be closer to explaining them.
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