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Credit & Copyright: Courtesy
U.S. Geological Survey
Explanation:
Eugene Shoemaker's passion was Astrogeology.
He dreamed of going to
the Moon.
Credited with inventing the branch of
Astrogeology within the U.S. Geological Survey,
his contributions to the field and the study of
impact craters, lunar science, asteroids, and comets
are legendary.
Though his own career as an astronaut/geologist was sidelined by a health
problem, he helped train the Apollo astronauts in geology
and the investigation of
the lunar surface.
Seen here at
Meteor Crater, Arizona
in the mid 1960s,
Shoemaker was killed in a tragic car accident in July 1997.
He is survived by his wife and professional colleague, Carolyn,
and children.
In a fitting tribute conceived by a former student,
Eugene Shoemaker's ashes were placed on-board
the Lunar Prospector spacecraft which
has now successfully reached a polar mapping orbit around the Moon.
After completing its scientific mission, the spacecraft will ultimately
impact the lunar surface.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
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