Telescopic Ground Observations for Lunar Impact Flash Detection using the SPOSH camera

Kurzfassung

We present first results from our observations carried out on the 28th of March for the detection of impact flashes on the lunar surface. The moon was monitored for 2 hours and more than 2000 images were acquired. The observations verified the ability of our observing system to image the dark side of the Moon for im- pact flashes benefitting from the high sensitivity of our camera. Most of the images obtained during our test observations are affected by motion blur due to the strong wind present at that time. Furthermore, strong reflections by the Moon can be seen in a few images. However, features of the lunar surface illuminated by earth- shine can be clearly seen in a number of images. Furthermore, faint stars up to +9 magnitude were identified in the images.