Well, after our first full month of being open, I am thrilled to announce we have had hundreds of visitors from many points on the globe -- in fact, the Jefferson Space Museum of flown US $2 bills has been visited by people from 26 different countries -- and from hundreds of cities in those countries. We've had visitors from the following countries (listed in order of their rank in terms of total number of visitors): the US, China, Russia, UK, Germany, France, Japan, Austria, Ukraine, Canada, Australia, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Poland, Spain, Greece, Belarus, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Colombia, Iceland, Cote D'Ivoire, and New Zeland. Thank you all! Please spread the word - we are always open! And if you like what you see, please do send us a note at info@jeffersonspacemuseum.com. And don't forget to visit the gift shop. :) After all, what would be a trip to a museum, even a virtual one, without a trip to the gift shop???? (My personal favorite is the note pad.)
Two great photos show the lunar module's ascent
On December 14, 1972, Gene Cernan and Jack Schmitt finish up their last EVA, and board the lunar module for their ride back to lunar orbit. The last two humans to walk on the moon leave the surface, and bring to a close one of the greatest adventures of the 20th Century. Gene Cernan becomes the "last man" to leave his bootprint in lunar soil.
A wonderful shot of the lunar module's ascent, as taken by Ron Evans orbiting in the command module.
A gorgeous, closeup view of the lunar module taken by Ron Evans as it approaches for docking to prepare for the return trip home.
Sir Isaac is now online!
Bravo to Cambridge University, for putting 4,000 of Sir Isaac Newton's papers online, expanding the world of the virtual museum, and making available for people these most important works. Humanity would never have been able to reach the stars if not for the ground breaking work of Sir Isaac. (Remember the line from the Apollo 13 movie?) The Jefferson Space Museum welcomes this virtual effort!
Amazing Apollo program imagery
39 years ago today, on December 11, 1972, the last manned crew of the Apollo lunar program began their four day exploration of the Taurus Littrow valley.
Dramatic panoramic view of the lunar module Challenger, and the lunar rover vehicle. Panoramas of this kind can be obtained by visiting the good folks @ www.moonpans.com.
Along with Commander Gene Cernan, the first scientist in space Jack Schmitt, a geologist, would capture some of my favorite imagery of the Apollo program.
Jack Schmitt, with the falg and Earth, is photographed by Gene Cernan on December 11, 1972. You can see Gene's reflection in the sun shield of Jack's helmet.