Using Lunar Impact Flashes to Detect Interstellar Objects Near the Moon

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:02:00 +0200

In his Medium article, Avi Loeb discusses the intriguing possibility of using the Moon itself as a natural detector for interstellar objects. He explains that the dark side of the Moon provides a perfect backdrop for spotting brief flashes created when meteoroids or other objects collide with its surface. These luminous impacts, if carefully studied, could reveal valuable information about the composition and origin of the impacting bodies. Loeb argues that some of these flashes may come from interstellar visitors—objects that didn't originate within our solar system but have passed through it. He proposes that a network of telescopes could monitor the far side of the Moon continuously, forming a kind of “cosmic fishing net” to catch rare and fast-moving interstellar materials. The article connects this idea to previous discoveries like ‘Oumuamua and interstellar meteor IM2, suggesting the Moon might help confirm or study more such cosmic wanderers. Loeb envisions partnerships between