10 Jun
2009
10 Jun
'09
3:49 p.m.
Breaking news images of the Kayuga impact. http://lpod.wikispaces.com/June+10%2C+2010+-+KAGUYA+SPECIAL No info on the scope or the exposure. The Kayuga orbiter reportedly weighed 2100kg - similar to what the LCROSS impactor will weigh and 10 times the mass of SMART-1. The Kayuga impact was at a shallow angle - like SMART-1 - that dissipates most of the energy in a manner that produces a relatively dimmer impact flash and vertically smaller plume. In contrast, the LCROSS impactor, by design, will crash at an angle (about 76degs) closer to vertical. That produces a brighter flash and a more vertical plume. - Kurt