Apollo 11’s Norwegian Voyage
In the aftermath of their groundbreaking lunar expedition, the Apollo 11 crew embarked on a whirlwind global tour. Dubbed the “Giant Leap” tour, this journey was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to human achievement and international cooperation in space exploration. Among their stops was Norway, a significant visit in the context of the Cold War era.
Norway’s inclusion in the tour wasn’t random. As part of the Western bloc, Norway represented a strategic ally in the Space Race against the Soviet Union. The visit was both a diplomatic gesture and a celebration of shared values in scientific progress. In Oslo, the crew, accompanied by their spouses, were greeted with fanfare, reflecting the global impact of their mission.
This trip, covering 27 cities in 24 countries over 39 days, wasn’t just a victory lap for the astronauts. It symbolized a unifying moment, transcending borders and political divides, highlighting the universal fascination and aspiration toward space exploration.
Lunar Legacies: Apollo 11’s Global Gifts
When Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set foot on the moon in 1969, they not only made history but also collected lunar dust and rocks. These precious and rare samples became symbols of this monumental achievement.
President Nixon initiated a unique gesture of goodwill: approximately 250 displays, each containing a fragment of moonstone, were crafted. These displays, accompanied by the flags of the recipient nations, states, and territories, were distributed globally to 135 entities. The intention was clear – to share this milestone with the world, encapsulating a moment of unified human accomplishment.
Following Apollo 11, the Apollo 17 mission continued this tradition, further distributing lunar samples. Notably, Norway was a recipient of this celestial gift twice – once from Apollo 11 and once from Apollo 17.
Interestingly, out of the 370 moon rocks gifted by the United States, 184 remain unaccounted for today. These lunar artifacts serve as enduring reminders of humanity’s first steps beyond our planet, and their disappearance adds a layer of intrigue to their historical significance.
Norway Apollo 11 Moon rocks display. Credit: Wikipedia.
Apollo 11’s Moon Rocks at NTNU Science Museum
The Apollo 11 mission not only marked a significant milestone in space exploration but also left a tangible legacy on Earth. Among the gifts of moon rocks distributed globally, Norway received a piece that, for a time, was thought to have vanished like many others. However, this piece of lunar history is securely housed at the NTNU Science Museum, not lost but part of the museum’s extensive geological collection.
Contrary to popular belief, this precious lunar artifact from Apollo 11 isn’t on public display. Instead, it’s meticulously preserved in the museum’s storage, ensuring its protection and longevity. Meanwhile, the moonstone from Apollo 17’s mission is proudly exhibited at the Geological Museum in Oslo, serving as a visible reminder of humanity’s reach into space and the enduring scientific partnership between nations. These moon rocks, beyond their scientific value, symbolize the boundless curiosity and achievements of human space exploration.
President Nixon’s Lunar Gift to Norway
The journey of the Apollo 11 moon rock to Norway is a tale of care and preservation. Sent to the museum’s director, the consignment was initially received by Hans Jørgen Lønne, the administrative head. This precious fragment of the moon didn’t immediately find its way to public display. Instead, it spent several years in Lønne’s office, a silent witness to a pivotal moment in space history.
It wasn’t until later that the lunar rock plaque, a gift from President Richard Nixon to the people of Norway, was moved to a more secure location – a vault. Only on rare occasions has it been exhibited, each time drawing interest and awe.
The inscription on this gift at the NTNU Science Museum poignantly captures its significance:
“Presented to the people of Norway by President Richard Nixon. The President of the United States of America. This flag of your nation was carried to the Moon and back by Apollo 11, and this fragment of the Moon’s surface was brought to Earth by the crew of that first manned lunar landing.”
This inscription not only commemorates the Apollo 11 mission but also symbolizes the shared human endeavor in space exploration, transcending national boundaries.
The Odyssey of the Lost Moon Rocks
The saga of the missing moon rocks is as intriguing as the space missions that brought them to Earth. In 1998, attorney and former NASA employee Joseph Gutheinz initiated a quest to locate these vanished lunar treasures. His unique approach? Placing an ad titled “Moon Rocks Wanted” in USA Today.
This quest led to a startling discovery: an offer to sell a Honduran stone from the Apollo 17 mission for a staggering $5 million. Weighing approximately 1,142 grams, this rock’s valuation underscored the immense worth of lunar materials. In 1993, a mere 0.2 grams of dust from the Soviet Luna 16 mission fetched $442,500 in a private sale, illustrating the high demand for these celestial objects.
Many moon rocks have disappeared due to revolutions, thefts, and accidents. Notably, two stones gifted to Libya under Gaddafi and one to Romania’s Nicolae Ceausescu vanished following upheavals in these nations. Additionally, Malta’s Apollo 17 moon rock was stolen, and Ireland’s Apollo 11 sample was lost in a fire at a Dublin observatory.
Gutheinz’s relentless pursuit, aided by students at the University of Phoenix and Alvin Community College in Texas, has successfully tracked down 77 lunar rocks. This journey to recover these priceless artifacts is not just a search for lost items but a quest to reclaim pieces of a shared human story etched in the annals of space exploration.
Moon Rocks: A Glimpse into the Ancient Lunar Surface
“Moon rocks” refer to the specimens collected from the Moon’s surface by the American Apollo missions and the Soviet Luna missions. These lunar samples are not just stones; they are messengers from the past, offering a glimpse into the early solar system.
In terms of age, moon rocks are significantly older than most rocks found on Earth. They range from 3.2 to 4.6 billion years old. To put this into perspective, consider that most rocks in Norway date back to 500 million years and older, with the oldest, from Lofoten, being about three billion years old. In comparison, the Earth’s oldest rocks are dated between 3.8 and 4.2 billion years.
Composition-wise, moon rocks share similarities with Earth rocks but have distinct differences. They possess a much lower iron content and almost no volatile elements like potassium. Remarkably, they completely lack water.
Another striking difference lies in their geological activity. The Moon is considered geologically inactive, with solid rock extending down to about 1,000 kilometers and no volcanic activity for the past 3 billion years. On the other hand, Earth is geologically vibrant, with a thin crust averaging about 40 kilometers deep and ongoing volcanic activity.
These fascinating differences underscore the uniqueness of our planet and the mysteries held by our celestial neighbor. For more insights into space exploration and its impact, delve into “42 Inventions from the Apollo Program.“