Library Launches New Talk Series

On Tuesday November 19th, the library launched our new informal talk series Lunchtime @ the Library.  Dr. Michael Shepard, Chair & Professor of Environmental, Geographical & Geological Sciences, presented a talk on the subject and occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 12 moon mission. As Dr. Shepard explained, though Apollo 12 has been eclipsed historically by the momentous Apollo 11 mission a mere four months prior -- there were some fascinating firsts and memorable moments.  The mission almost had to abort right after launching when two lightning strikes disabled critical electronics equipment. Fortunately the rocket was on autopilot, so the mission was able to continue without a hitch once communication and navigation instruments were back up and running again. This mission also had the exciting discovery of finding microbes on equipment that had

Conrad, Gordon & Bean: The Fantasy (1992)

been left on the moon for a few years, which spurred all sorts of tests and theories. 

One more interesting fact: the Apollo 12 crew included an astronaut who was also an artist. Alan Bean retired from NASA in 1981 to devote the rest of his life to creating art inspired by his trip to the moon.   

The presentation concluded with a Q&A discussion about future possibilities for moon exploration and colonization.

TO LEARN MORE:
NASA Apollo 12 (official website)

NPR's Geoff Brumfiel 50 Years Ago, The Apollo 12 Crew Had A Blast As They Landed On The Moon (aired November 20, 2019)

Alan Bean, first artist on another world

National Geographic: One Strange Rock