From the Canyon to the Moon: Astronaut Training at the Grand Canyon
Join Alumni Astronomer in Residence, Kevin Schindler for a 40-minute presentation followed by a Q&A and live moon viewings.
- July 20, 2024
- 7:00PM–8:00PM MST
-
South Rim Visitor Center Theater
In preparation for their voyages to the Moon in the 1960s-70s, Apollo astronauts hiked into the Grand Canyon to hone their geology skills. The expeditions turned into crash courses in geology, with the astronauts each carrying and using geology hammers, hand lenses, and other tools of the trade. Relive these expeditions and hear about why this training was so important. Who is the only one of the 24 astronauts to visit the Moon not to train at the Grand Canyon? Join the program and find out!
Kevin Schindler
Astronomer in Residence, 2023Kevin Schindler is the historian and public information officer at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, where he has worked for 31 years. He has authored nine books, including The Grand Canyon (Past & Present series) and Northern Arizona Space Training. He is an active member of the northern Arizona history and science communities and serves on several boards, including Grand Canyon Historical Society.
Fun fact: Kevin has both a fossil crab and asteroid named after him.