Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of
our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief
explanation written by a professional astronomer. 2000 December
9 Explanation: Buzz Aldrin, Apollo 11 Lunar Module pilot and the
second human to walk on the Moon, described the lunar landscape
as "a magnificent desolation". Dramatic pictures from the Apollo
missions to the lunar surface testify to this apt turn of
phrase. Near the Apollo 17 landing site, Family Mountain (center
background) and the edge of South Massif (left) frame the
lunarscape in this photo of astronaut Harrison Schmitt working
alongside the lunar roving vehicle. Schmitt and fellow astronaut
Eugene Cernan were the last to walk on this magnificent
desolation. Authors & editors: Jerry Bonnell (USRA) NASA
Technical Rep.: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply. A service of:
LHEA at NASA/GSFC & Michigan Tech. U.