Why is the moon flashing? A new telescope might find out.

The flashes on the moon’s surface are spotted multiple times a week—but what are they?

Some background: Astronomers have observed “transient lunar phenomena” for thousands of years—but have not been sure what's causing it.

Time to settle the debate: A team has set up a new telescope in Spain to study the phenomenon. Once it launches, the telescope will automatically detect and track the flashes. These measurements will then be compared with some taken by the European Space Agency, to check if they are definitely coming from the moon. The results might even give hints about the moon’s origins.

Why it matters: With a recent renewed focus on returning to the moon, Kayal says that this project is crucial so that humans can understand the regions where they hope to eventually land. 

—Erin Winick