Astronomers are wondering why the Moon’s tail is twinkling

By observing the phenomenon with powerful telescopes for 14 years, researchers from Boston University, USA, have now determined that the swan’s rhythm is closely linked to the bombardment of random meteorites.

The giant meteorite can create visible flashes

Between 2006 and 2019, astronomers have followed the strength of the salt flash and taken 21,000 images of the moon with a special camera that can see wavelengths from various subjects – for example salt.

The careful observations have shown that:

• The flash of light increases in strength when the moon is closer to the earth.
• The lightning is stronger when the moon is north of the earth’s ecliptic – that is, over the straight line between the earth’s core and the sun – at the new moon.
• The brightness varies in a pattern that follows the number of random meteorites that hit the earth – and thus also the moon.

That the connection is clearest between random meteorites and the intensity of the lightning flash surprised the researchers. They had expected a greater correlation with the meteorites hitting the moon from recurring meteor showers.

One possible explanation is that the sporadic meteors are larger and follow more elongated, unpredictable orbits, giving them more speed and energy.

When that type of meteor hits the moon (and then is called a meteorite) it whirls up more dust – and thus delivers more salt to the moon’s tail.

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