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with Kevin Schindler
Astronomer in Residence

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
Super moon Rising
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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 pictured in front of a NASA vehicle

Kevin Schindler

Astronomer in Residence, 2023

Kevin Schindler is the historian and Public Information Officer at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, where he has worked for 28 years. Schindler contributes a bi-weekly astronomy column, “View from Mars Hill,” for the Arizona Daily Sun newspaper and has authored seven books, including Images of America: Northern Arizona Space Training, which features a chapter about the Grand Canyon. Schindler's residency focused on researching and sharing NASA’s Apollo Astronauts’ connections with the region in preparation for their historic missions to the Moon. During his residency, Schindler hosted several public programs that enhanced our visitor's understanding of the Grand Canyon's importance in the history of space exploration. 

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Topics:
In-Person, Grand Canyon Conservancy, Astronomer in Residence