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55 Mysterious Moon Flashes Recorded in 90 Hours

10/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Transient lunar phenomena (TLP) are reported flashes on the Moon; a European Space Agency project from 2017–2023 recorded 55 events in 90 hours, about eight flashes per hour.
Observations date back to at least the sixth century CE, including a bright flash witnessed by monks in 1178 CE.
Proposed explanations for TLPs include radon gas emissions and meteorite impacts, but no definitive cause has been established.

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Story summary

Transient lunar phenomena (TLP) are reported flashes on the Moon; a European Space Agency project from 2017–2023 recorded 55 events in 90 hours, about eight flashes per hour.
Observations date back to at least the sixth century CE, including a bright flash witnessed by monks in 1178 CE.
Proposed explanations for TLPs include radon gas emissions and meteorite impacts, but no definitive cause has been established.