The ashes of Gene Shoemaker, the founder of astrogeology, are the only human remains currently on the Moon.
Gene Shoemaker: A Pioneer's Journey to the Moon
Gene Shoemaker was a highly esteemed scientist who made significant contributions to the field of astrogeology. He had a strong desire to visit the moon, but health issues prevented this dream from being realized in his lifetime. Tragically, Shoemaker died in a car accident, but his memory and legacy were memorialized in an extraordinary way:
- Ashes on the Moon: Shoemaker's ashes were sent to the moon aboard the Lunar Prospector spacecraft in 1998.
- Unique Memorial: He is the only person to have their ashes intentionally placed on the moon, making it a very unique tribute to his scientific achievements.
| Name | Profession | Burial Location |
|---|---|---|
| Gene Shoemaker | Astrogeologist | The Moon |
The Lunar Prospector Mission
- The Lunar Prospector was a NASA mission designed to study the moon's composition, gravity, magnetic field, and to search for evidence of water ice.
- As a tribute, a small container holding a portion of Shoemaker's ashes was placed inside the Lunar Prospector spacecraft.
- The spacecraft was deliberately crashed into a crater near the moon's South Pole at the end of its mission, carrying Shoemaker's remains with it.
Remembering Shoemaker
Despite his significant scientific achievements, Gene Shoemaker's contributions often went unnoticed during his lifetime. His early death in an automobile accident sadly contributed to him being "unsung". Placing his ashes on the moon stands as a memorial and acknowledgment of his work as a pioneer in the field of astrogeology.
