The Historic Apollo 17 Mission
Eugene Cernan's Role in Apollo 17
Eugene Cernan, the commander of the final Apollo mission, became the last human to set foot on the lunar surface. He led the **Apollo 17** crew, which included directed operations on the Moon for scientific exploration.
Harrison Schmitt: The Lunar Scientist
Harrison Schmitt, on this mission, was not just an astronaut but also a dedicated lunar geologist. As the first scientist to walk on the Moon, he brought valuable expertise in geology, collecting samples that would further our understanding of lunar composition.
The Farewell to the Moon
Leaving Footprints and Memories
On December 14, 1972, Cernan and Schmitt left the lunar surface, marking the end of the **Apollo** program's lunar exploration era. Cernan famously stated, "We leave as we came, and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind."
The Legacy of Apollo 17
The Apollo 17 mission remains significant due to its achievements in lunar research, sample collection, and the advancements in science that followed. This mission not only showcased human ingenuity but also left a lasting impact on our quest to understand our place in the universe.
Fun Fact
The Last Human Footprints on the Moon
Did you know that Eugene Cernan’s footprints are still on the Moon? Due to the absence of weather, they remain undisturbed and serve as a testament to human exploration on the lunar surface.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on Apollo 17
For those interested in diving deeper into the Apollo 17 mission, consider reading The Last Man on the Moon by Eugene Cernan, which offers a personal account of this momentous journey. Additionally, Chasing the Moon by Robert Stone provides an extensive historical context of the Apollo missions.
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