Arshad Nadeem confirmed for Lausanne Diamond Leagu…

A discarded section of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is believed to have crashed into the Moon, giving scientists a rare opportunity to study the effects of a known impact on the lunar surface. The object, a 4,000-kilogram upper stage left in space after a January 2025 mission, was expected to strike the Moon at around 07:35 BST after spending more than a year drifting through space. Scientists say the rocket stage gradually shifted onto a collision course due to the combined gravitational pull of the Earth, Moon and Sun. The impact is not considered dangerous to Earth, according to NASA, which plans to analyse the event to improve its understanding of lunar geology and refine methods for tracking objects in space. Although the collision itself was too faint to be seen with the naked eye, astronomers using powerful telescopes are monitoring the Moon for signs of a fresh crater and a plume of dust created by the impact. Researchers are now comparing before-and-after images of the lunar surface to identify the exact location of the strike. NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and South Korea’s Danuri lunar spacecraft are expected to capture images of the impact site in the coming days. Scientists say processing and analysing the data could take several days or even weeks before the first confirmed images are released. Experts describe the incident as a valuable scientific experiment because the size, speed and mass of the object were known in advance. Unlike natural meteor impacts, the predictable nature of the collision allows researchers to better understand how craters form and how lunar material behaves after a high-speed impact. However, astronomers also say the incident highlights the growing problem of space debris. Thousands of human-made objects now remain on or around the Moon, and experts warn that increasing congestion in space could pose challenges for future exploration missions if debris is not managed more effectively. Meanwhile, SpaceX continues its regular launch operations. The company successfully launched another Falcon 9 rocket from Florida on a separate mission carrying satellites into orbit, underscoring the growing pace of space activity as agencies and private companies expand their exploration programmes.

The United Kingdom is preparing for a fifth heatwave this summer, with temperatures projected to reach 36C and prompting the Met Office to consider issuing rare red weather alerts. The extreme heat poses severe risks of disruption across railway lines and power networks, whilst compounding growing concerns over drought and food security. Following a temporary drop in temperatures on Monday, heat levels across England and Wales are expected to climb rapidly. Sunday marked the 35th day in 2026 where British temperatures exceeded 30C, hitting a peak of 30.6C. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan indicated that mid-30s temperatures will become widespread on Wednesday and Thursday, with Thursday currently tracking as the hottest day of the week and holding a small chance of exceeding 36C. The prolonged period of dry conditions has left half of England and Wales grappling with near-drought environments, and officials warn that further regions could soon be declared affected zones. Alongside potential infrastructure damage, authorities are highlighting risks to health and agricultural output. The Met Office confirmed that formal amber and red warnings are under active consideration as the situation develops. Meanwhile, the UK Health Security Agency has put yellow heat-health alerts in place across the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. These health advisories remain active through Tuesday evening, with potential extensions if extreme conditions persist.