NASA has confirmed that a higher stage of a SpaceX rocket crashed on the Moon, leaving behind a crater.

NASA has confirmed that a higher stage of a SpaceX rocket crashed on the Moon Wednesday morning, estimating that the impact occurred in the northern hemisphere, near the Einstein crater, at a speed of 8,690 km/h. NASA spokesperson Jimi Russell assured that there is no danger to Earth.

The collision, estimated to have left a lunar crater, provides an opportunity for scientific research, including the analysis of the impact of space debris. The South Korean space probe Danuri had the best chance of capturing the impact, but results will be published after analysis.

NASA will use the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to photograph the impact site. Dr. Matt Bothwell from the University of Cambridge highlighted the risks of space debris, warning that space is becoming increasingly crowded. The Falcon 9 rocket was launched in January last year, but the upper stage remained in space, and NASA believes that this event will help better understand the impacts and risks associated with space debris on the Moon.