NASA detects a mysterious object resembling a surfboard near the moon (video)

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, a mainstay of lunar exploration for more than 15 years, has been instrumental in elucidating the mysteries of Earth's celestial companion.

In a scene inspired by science fiction Lunar reconnaissance vehicle (LRO) from NASA She took great photos of a strange looking object speeding through her area moonWhich sparked the curiosity and speculation of space enthusiasts around the world.

Amid the excitement surrounding the recent total solar eclipse, NASA He presented a series of images taken by LRO between March 5 and 6, 2024, showing a strange object close to the lunar surface. The images, obtained at extreme resolution using the LRO's narrow-angle camera, reveal what appears to be a surfboard- or frisbee-shaped entity gliding across the moon at remarkable speed.

The LRO, a mainstay of lunar exploration for more than 15 years, has been instrumental in uncovering the secrets of Earth's celestial companion. Tasked with orbiting and studying the Moon, the LRO mission team at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center was tasked with using the opportunity to capture footage of the mysterious object during its fleeting encounter with the lunar environment.

Social media platforms were full of speculation, as users marveled at the surreal scene captured by the NASA spacecraft. Some have lightheartedly assumed space surfers or fictional Marvel characters making a cameo appearance in space. However, NASA quickly debunked these rumours, revealing the true identity of the object.

Contrary to fanciful theories, the object in question is none other than the Danori lunar module, a spacecraft of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute. Danori marked South Korea's first mission to the Moon and has been in lunar orbit since December 2022, making vital scientific observations and contributing to humanity's understanding of our celestial neighbour.

The fortuitous alignment of the orbits allowed the LRO's narrow-angle camera to take three successive images of Danori as it passed close to the Moon. Despite the tremendous speeds at which the two spacecraft were traveling — about 7,200 miles, or 11,500 kilometers per hour — the LRO operations team demonstrated remarkable accuracy in capturing the fleeting encounter.

NASA's discovery underscores the collaborative efforts of international space agencies to advance our understanding of the universe. As humanity continues to explore vast expanses of space, such encounters serve as a poignant reminder of the limitless wonders that await us beyond Earth's borders.