Gazing at the full moon this weekend, one might sense a connection to a remarkable event that took place over half a century ago. On July 20, 1969, humans first set foot on the moon, making it a timeless moment etched in the annals of history. This coincidence is all the more poignant as the full buck moon coincides with the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing.
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, the full buck moon, named after the time when male deer sprout their fully grown antlers, will peak at 6:17 a.m. ET on Sunday. However, a brilliant display can be expected on Saturday night, offering an ideal chance to witness this celestial event and remember the legacy of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins.
NASA’s Chief of Planetary Geology, Noah Petro, suggests stepping outside and toasting the Apollo crew while gazing at the moon. "There’s no better way to celebrate that than by going outside and looking at the full moon and toasting Neil, Buzz, and Michael Collins," Petro shared. The moon will be visible across both the Northern and Southern hemispheres, weather permitting. A clear spot away from tall structures will enhance one’s view, Petro added, emphasizing that even city dwellers need not worry due to the moon’s brightness against urban light pollution.
For enthusiasts looking to add a little more detail to their moon-gazing experience, a telescope or binoculars can uncover volcanic lava flows that have been present for billions of years. "Even with the naked eye, you can start seeing the history of the moon in front of you," Petro explains, heightening the significance of the visual experience.
Nevertheless, recognizing the full moon as an avatar of historic human endeavor isn’t just about admiring lunar features. It’s intertwined with the profound human sacrifices and unprecedented engineering achievements. Isom “Ike” Rigell, who served as NASA’s Chief Engineer during the Apollo program, recounts the personal toll of this vast project. Rigell found a poignant reminder in his youngest daughter’s childhood joy over a rare family dinner: "’Oh joy, my dad’s having supper with us tonight!’" It starkly highlighted the relentless work hours and sacrifices demanded by the mission.
The Apollo program was the zenith of space exploration in the 1960s, turning President John F. Kennedy’s vision into reality. But while it was a triumph for science, it also meant many missed family moments for engineers like Rigell. The commitment of the families, particularly the spouses, was integral to this success. Rigell provides a glimpse into this dedication, drawing parallel lines between the technical and emotional front lines of this mission.
As the Apollo program encapsulates a high point in fostering a sense of national unity and achievement during turbulent times, NASA administrator Bill Nelson reflects on its unifying power amid today’s fractious political landscape. Nelson’s speech, released on YouTube to mark the anniversary, draws parallels between the 1960s and our current era. "Historic times, even what feels like divided times, echo much of the troubled climate of the 1960s," Nelson pointed out, emphasizing the unifying moment when Apollo 11’s Eagle landed. As Nelson advocates for unity, he sees another potential milestone on the horizon: NASA’s Artemis program aims to return astronauts to the Moon by 2024, this time including a female astronaut’s bootprint.
Yet this ambitious timeline set by Vice President Pence for the Artemis program outlines several substantial challenges. The agency still lacks the actual rocket ready to launch astronauts beyond Earth’s orbit, the lunar lander, and the appropriate spacesuits. This program’s budgetary needs are staggering, expected to reach up to $30 billion, making Congressional approval a daunting task.
Amid the political and technical hurdles faced by Artemis, the unwavering human spirit illustrated by engineers such as Rigell offers a resonant echo from the Apollo days. Born shortly after Rigell’s service in WWII, the space program was rapidly evolving, with the Redstone rocket laying the groundwork for future explorations. The Cold War’s intensity was palpable, the stakes relentlessly heightened by each Soviet triumph, such as Sputnik’s launch and Gagarin’s historic flight, which spurred American determination.
Against this backdrop, incidents such as the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump and the ongoing scrutiny of current President Joe Biden’s administration have added layers of complexity to the contemporary scenario. Nelson hopes these politically divided times can find respite in the shared wonder of space exploration. He underscores this vision through the Artemis Accords, a framework committing nations to peaceful lunar explorations.
As NASA continues its ambitious missions, the goal extends beyond a mere return to the Moon. Artemis aims to establish a sustained human presence, a steppingstone for ventures further afield, such as Mars. The Gateway, an orbital outpost around the Moon, stands central to these plans, paving the way for continued exploration in deeper space.
With plans underway and significant challenges ahead, one thing remains clear: the human aspiration to reach beyond Earth continues unabated. Whether through observing a full moon or witnessing humanity’s next giant leap, the legacy of Apollo and the promise of Artemis offer a captivating narrative of exploration and unity, with eyes set firmly on the stars.
