Flown lunar surface star chart carried aboard the lunar module Orion to the Descarte Highlands of the moon. Chart measures 8.25″ in diameter with bottom labeled “LM Post-Landing, April 16, 1972 Launch.” All major stars and constellations visible from the landing site are plotted underneath a rotating translucent position locator. The locator has six concentric circular plots, sixty degrees apart, that correspond to position locators set for the Alignment Optical Telescope inside the Lunar Module. Reverse bears a small square of Velcro and is signed in black felt tip, “Star wheel used on the LM Orion on Apollo 16. Charlie Duke.” Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Duke, which reads, in part: “On board the lunar module ‘Orion’ was a piece of equipment named the Apollo sextant. This device was used by John Young and myself to measure star angles so that our Inertial Measurement Unit could be properly aligned…After landing and before liftoff from the lunar surface we used the sextant. To verify the stars we marked on, we used the star chart.” In fine condition. A rare and critical lunar surface navigational tool that reminds all of the kinship that astronauts and the early explorers of Earth–the need to navigate by the stars, whether traveling by sea or through space. Pre-certified Steve Zarelli and RR Auction COA.
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