A Lunar Legacy

Commemorate the 50th anniversary of Neil A.Armstrong’s first step on the moon by taking your own small step onto the lunar-like landscapes where he trained. Because natural features around Flagstaff replicated what astronauts could expect to find on the surface of the moon, all 12 Apollo astronauts who set foot on the moon performed rigorous field exercises there. Retrace their footsteps at the following Northern Arizona locations and world-class scientific attractions.

USGS MOON ROVER SIMULATOR

From 1963, the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Branch of Astrogeology in Flagstaff analyzed lunar terrain for the feasibility of proposed landing sites, led geology classroom and field training for the astronauts, and developed tools that would help moonwalkers complete their geologic objectives. USGS Moon Rover was one of the tools used on the last three Apollo missions. As the push for rock specimens and other scientific operations increased, the rover was developed to increase mobility on the lunar surface.

Today, make physical connections with the Apollo 15, 16 and 17 crewmembers who walked on the moon by checking over the moon rover simulator at the USGS Astrogeology Science Center at 2255 N. Gemini Road, Building 6. The geologic rover, nicknamed Grover (it carted these astronauts over the nearby Cinder Crater Field Testing Site), is located in the lobby of the Shoemaker Building, along with displays of rare artifacts including hand imprints of Neil Armstrong and Frank Borman. Sign-in for the self-guided tour, which is open to the public during business hours.

CINDER LAKE CRATER FIELD ASTRONAUT TRAINING GROUND USGS

scientists simulated lunar landscapes by taking flat cinder fields and blasting them to create craters in patterns like those on the moon. Photos of portions of the moon’s Sea of Tranquility were the templates for positioning 143 craters. Human-made crater fields were perfect for training the men and testing the equipment, including moon rover simulators.

Follow in the footprints of Apollo 12 astronauts—the first to train at Cinder Lake Crater Fields— and the subsequent Apollo pilots. Take Highway 89 approximately two miles north of Flagstaff Mall to Cinder Lake Landfill Road. Turn right and go 1.9 miles to a two-wheeled dirt track just before the entrance of the landfill. Go right and drive about one mile to a man gate and sign. With Google maps set to satellite view, you'll be able to detect the craters with your smartphone. Tread lightly on the crater field to respect the historic area.

.LOWELL OBSERVATORY

Flagstaff ’s clear skies created optimal observing conditions for mapping the moon's surface, and consequently, Lowell Observatory was chosen as the home fo the government's lunar mapping program. From 1961 to 1968, a team of scientists and scientific illustrators used the historic Clark Telescope to observe the moon, and create maps and charts in support of NASA’s manned space program. At “Lowell’s Lunar Legacy Exhibit” in the Lowell Observatory Collections Library, you’ll find original moon maps with sun shadows based on where astronauts would land. Memorabilia displayed includes guestbook signatures of Neil Armstrong and others who dined at the home of John Hall, Lowell Observatory Director on Jan. 16, 1963.

Lowell astronomers and scientists also contributed to the moon mission by helping to train astronauts. Tread in the footsteps of the skywalkers when you tour Clark Telescope on the Lowell campus to look through the 24-inch refractor. Astronauts beheld the moon through the same scope in preparation for geology training at Sunset Crater and Meteor Crater.

METEOR CRATER

To orientate position after the moon landing, astronauts needed to identify surface features viewed through the lunar module’s small windows. At Meteor Crater, astronauts learned to distinguish geologic features of the milewide crater and correlate them to corresponding maps.

USGS Astrogeologist Gene Shoemaker, who led the field exercises, pointed out features caused by impact cratering so that once on the moon, astronauts could easily recognize them. Walk in the steps of these brave men during the Guided Rim Tour and snap selfies at the Apollo Test Capsule used in flotation testing. The scientific attraction, which includes a theater and museum, is less than one hour east of Flagstaff.

SUNSET CRATER VOLCANO NATIONAL MONUMENT

The jagged crags of the Bonito Lava Flow at Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument provided suitable terrain for moonwalk training and gear testing. Take the paved Bonito Vista Trail to overlook lava gullies, where you’ll likely imagine yourself on the moon. For more rugged hiking, follow Lava’s Edge Trail (3.4 miles roundtrip) to experience the lava flow on which USGS scientists and astronauts tested space suits, instrumentation and communication equipment. Guided walks to Sunset Crater Apollo mission training sites are planned on designated dates.

Explore Flagstaff Lunar Legacy’s calendar of special anniversary events happening until Dec. 2019 at www. flagstaffarizona.org/lunarlegacy.

BY STACEY WITTIG