Arizona Goes to the Moon (Apache Junction)

Arizona played a key role in preparing to send humans to the moon in the late 1960s/early 1970s. The Apollo astronauts themselves traveled to the Grand Canyon and volcanic fields around the state to learn geology and practice their lunar excursions. Meanwhile, U.S. Geological Survey engineers worked with NASA staff members to develop and test instruments while artists joined forces with scientists to create detailed maps of the moon that were critical to navigating around lunar surface.

Kevin Schindler is an award-winning educator and writer who has worked for more than 20 years at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. He was sheriff of the Flagstaff Corral of Westerners for 14 years and a board member of the Flagstaff Festival of Science for 16 years. Combining a dual passion for history and science, he has presented hundreds of educational programs, authored four books, written more than 400 magazine and newspaper articles, and contributes a bi-weekly astronomy column for the Arizona Daily Sun.