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Amateur Observations and Impact Timing
This image 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.Credit: NASA
Click image for full resolution. The LCROSS impacts are scheduled for 4:30 a.m. PDT or 7:30 a.m. EDT (11:30 UTC) on October 9, 2009. Mission scientists estimate that the Centaur impact debris plume should be in view several seconds after Centaur impact and will peak in brightness at 30 to 100 seconds after impact.
| Time Zone | Lighting Conditions for Viewing |
|---|---|
| Eastern | Daybreak will prevent viewing of the debris plumes. |
| Best viewing is West of the Mississippi River. | |
| Mountain | Excellent lighting conditions. |
| Pacific | Excellent lighting conditions. |
| Alaska | Excellent lighting conditions. |
| Hawaii | Excellent lighting conditions. |
- Get your viewing party started with an LCROSS Impact Party Kit.
- Amateur astronomers are encouraged to join the LCROSS observation campaign and the LCROSS Citizen Science campaign.
- Viewing the impacts for the casual observer will be very complicated. The impacts will not be visible to the naked eye or using binoculars. Mission scientists estimate that the Centaur impact will be visible using a telescope with a diameter of 10-12 inches or larger. Telescopes with smaller diameters or lesser capability may not be powerful. Click here for a list of telescopes and viewing ranges.
- For more information about viewing the impacts, visit the Frequently Asked Questions.