Debris plume suggests SpaceX rocket did slam into the moon — as predicted

A SpaceX rocket that carried two lunar landers appears to have struck the moon, matching scientists’ earlier predictions about its trajectory. The impact occurred Wednesday after the vehicle spent roughly a year drifting off course.

Scientists reported that a debris plume supports the conclusion that the rocket reached the lunar surface. The plume provides evidence for an impact even though the event was not directly observed.

The collision involved the rocket associated with the launch of the pair of lunar landers. Its prolonged drift away from its intended path led researchers to forecast that it would eventually hit the moon.