Remarkable lunar map used on the surface of the moon during the first two Apollo 15 EVAs, labeled “Hadley Rille, EVA-I, 2 of 2, EVA-II, 2 of 3,” one page, 10.5 x 8, signed and certified on the reverse in black felt tip, “This map was used aboard Lunar Rover #1 during Apollo 15, July 26-Aug 7, 1971, Dave Scott, Apollo 15 CDR.” The map depicts the planned traverse route of the Lunar Roving Vehicle during the second periods of both EVA-1 and EVA-2, and includes crater names—including the important “Spur”—and planned exploration stations for both EVAs. In fine condition, with light toning to adhesive remnants on the reverse.
Accompanied by a detailed letter of provenance signed by Dave Scott, in part: “I hereby certify that the Apollo 15 Lunar Rover ‘Bearing Map,’ ‘Hadley Rille, EVA-1, 2 of 2, EVA-2, 2 of 3,’ included with this letter was carried aboard Lunar Roving Vehicle #1 on the surface of the Moon for three days during Apollo 15…This map was used for landmark recognition during navigation from the Lunar Module to the stations of exploration on each EVA…To be readily available, this map had been temporally removed from a book of ‘LM Lunar Surface Maps’ and attached to a Rover post with a large clip. The Map contains traces of lunar dust and was exposed to the temperature extremes, radiation, and Solar Wind on the surface of the Moon…The special significance of this particular map is the illustration of crew flexibility in conducting the exploration traverses based on extensive geology training and observation skills. This flexibility allowed them to select sites of interest in real time and to use the capabilities of the LRV as they evaluated during the progress of the mission. As an example…the crew deviated from the planned southeast traverse in EVA-2…and drove up-slope to ‘Spur’ crater where major discoveries were made…
On the rim of Spur Crater, we collected 93 samples of rocks and soil, including the sample that became known as the ‘Genesis Rock’…We also discovered a unique ‘green rock’ which was clearly different from any rock we had seen on Earth…This 224 gram ’green rock’ was found to be comprised of small (2mm) green glass pebbles (50%) and lunar soil (50%). The pebbles were scattered by lunar volcanoes in huge green fire fountains that erupted three billion years ago around the edges of large craters. When the green glass fell to the surface, it mixed with the soil and over the many years was cemented into a friable green clod…Almost 40 years later, in 2008, using modern analysis techniques and instruments, researchers led by Brown University geologist Alberto Saal found evidence of water molecules in the green pebbles…The findings point to the existence of water deep beneath the moon’s surface, transforming scientific understanding of our nearest neighbor’s formation and, perhaps, our own. The presence of water in the moon’s interior could prove a boon to future lunar colonies; it could be used for breathable oxygen and hydrogen fuel.” As a map extensively used on the Lunar Rover during the Apollo 15’s surface operations, this is a truly extraordinary piece of tremendous historical significance.
This item is Pre-Certified by STEVE ZARELLI
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