Get ready for a unique cosmic collision! On Friday morning October 9 at 4:31:19 a.m. PDT, newsgroups related to space exploration and enthusiasts are closely following NASA plans to have two spacecraft crash into the lunar surface to dig up some moon dust and search for water.

The probe — also known by its acronym, LCROSS — is currently carrying along the upper stage of the rocket that launched it on its way to the moon on June 18. The upper stage rocket from June’s launch will slam into the Moon first, sending up a plume of debris that will — with any luck — include water.

This has sparked discussions about the history of the moon, like the sun and the five planets visible to the naked eye, was wrapped into the mythology of many ancient cultures, and considered a deity by some — to the Egyptians it was Thoth, to the Greeks, Artemis, and to the Hindus, Chandra.

Recent findings of water on the lunar surface could spur yet another shift in the way we see our orbiting companion.

Bombing the moon recalls Stanley Kubrick’s 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, which begins with astronauts on the moon touching a mysterious monolith which then sends a signal out into space, presumably back to those who placed it there: Humans have made it to here. Except this message will be far more violent.

The crash is not expected to be seen from Earth by the naked eye or binoculars, but is expected to be visible with Earth- and space-based telescopes 10-to-12 inches and larger.