(L) Denise Okuda peers back in time at the Johnson Space Center. (R) The Genesis Rock.
Back in the old DS9 graphics office, we had a VCR and a video monitor. Officially, it was there for us to look at “dailies,” so that we could study each day’s shooting. We certainly did do that, but we also used it to play a lot of movies and TV shows for inspiration while we worked. One of our favorites was Tom Hanks’ wonderful miniseries for HBO, From the Earth to the Moon. We used to watch those episodes all the time. One of our favorite episodes of that show was “Galileo Was Right,” which followed the crew of Apollo 15 as they studied to become field geologists. And one of our favorite moments in that episode is when astronaut Dave Scott uses his geology training to find one of the most scientifically-important rocks to be discovered on the Moon. This lunar sample, code-numbered 15415, is also known as the Genesis Rock because it is believed to be a piece of the Moon’s original crust, over 4 billion years old.
Why do I mention this? Well, Denise and I were lucky enough to visit the Johnson Space Center last week. One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the Lunar Curation Facility, where most of the Apollo moon rocks are stored. They’re kept in sealed isolation chambers to protect them from earthly contamination, but we were able to get a glimpse of a few of those pieces of another world. One of those pieces was the actual 15415! We got to look at the famous rock up close, and even got to examine it through a microscope. Unlike most grey moon rocks, the Genesis Rock is a chalky white because it contains crystals called anorthite, which were formed billions of years ago, when the early molten crust slowly cooled and hardened.
More on our trip at:
The fourth attempt to launch Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-125 was scrubbed this afternoon (Sunday) when thunderstorms were spotted close to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The next launch attempt is scheduled for3:51 pm PDT. Systems are “go,” but prediction is 60% no-go due to weather. For live text updates and video, go to:
- Mike Okuda
I got a rock. – Charlie Brown
I would bet Charlie would not be so dour, if he was able to do what you guys did, Mike! Wow!
Thanks for sharin’, and thanks Doug for bring it to us, eh.
LLP,
deg
LOL – Is Charlie Brown the first thing that came to your mind?
I think if he got this one he’d be a bit happier!
Didn’t Galileo believe in a heliocentric universe? I mean, as opposed to the solar system.
What an awesome experience this must have been, Mike! I won’t lie – I’m a tad envious!
I just started watching “From the Earth to the Moon” and have to say it is a fantastic mini-series! I’m having trouble not watching more than one episode at a time!! I just watched Spider yesterday. To those who haven’t seen it, I would highly recommend it!!
BTW – checking out the Spaceflight Now link, I find it entertainin gthat the name of one of the anchors on the live feed is has the name of Miles O’Brien.
Man, I really, really hope that launch is a go!!! Hold on weather, hold on!
I hate to admit just how envious I am!
You lucky son of a… damn, that’s just cool…
And agreed about the Rockhound/Teacher episode of FTETTM – that’s my favorite too…
That rocks!
(ducks)
This is just too uber cool! I checked out your blog post, Mike, and I was just swooning with envy!! So awesome that you have these opportunities to get close to so much that NASA is involved in and has to offer — just fantastic!
I literally just finished watching From the Earth to the Moon for the first time last week! I enjoyed it – lots of familiar faces and a great sense of wonder. Coincidentally, the aforementioned episode was directed by David “Yesterday’s Enterprise” Carson.
I’m actually flying out to Houston next month. I’ve applied to participate in the NASA bed rest study and I get to go to JSC for what will surely by a thorough physical. There’s no guarantee I’ll make it into the study but I have to try, right?
http://www.popsci.com/military-aviation-amp-space/article/2009-06/pillownaut-stays-bed-sake-science