Discarded SpaceX rocket set for 5,400mph collision with the moon

A discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage is set to unintentionally strike the Moon at about 5,400 mph, creating a small crater and a brief dust plume. Scientists say the impact, equivalent to roughly three tons of TNT, is not dangerous but offers a rare chance to study the effects of human-made debris on the lunar surface. The event underscores growing congestion in orbit and the need for better debris management and traffic control as the US, China, and private companies accelerate lunar missions. NASA and South Korea’s Danuri orbiter are expected to capture before-and-after images of the crash, while observers in parts of North and South America may have the best viewing conditions through telescopes.