The Anasazi Heritage Center and Canyons of the Ancients National Monument hosts Dr. Jack Schmitt, who will present the lecture “Of Coyotes and Moon Landings” on Saturday, July 29.
This presentation is part of the Four Corners Lecture Series and the Heritage Center’s Night with the Ancients Astronomy Program series.
The free presentation begins at 8:30 p.m., and is open to the public.
Schmitt will share many of his experiences with the Apollo 17 mission, for which he was lunar module pilot. His message will weave the connections of lunar travel and Southwest influences, and it is an opportunity to learn about space, astronomy and culture.
Only 12 men, known unofficially as the “Dusty Dozen,” have set foot on the moon. As the last of these, Schmitt was inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame in Alamogordo, New Mexico, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in 1997.
Schmitt also served as an U.S. senator representing New Mexico. He authored the book “Return to the Moon” and publishes regularly on lunar and planetary science research and aerospace and defense issues.
His presentation supports the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument’s quest to become an International Dark-sky Sanctuary by drawing attention to the importance of preserving dark night skies.
Learn more about the International Dark Sky Association at www.darksky.org or to help directly with the Monument’s efforts, contact Park Ranger Jennifer Frost at jcfrost@blm.gov.
To learn about upcoming Four Corners Lectures, go to https://www.facebook.com/4CornersLectureSeries