University of Colorado at Boulder Professor Bruce Jakosky, an internationally known space scientist, will speak on the legacy of NASA聮s Apollo Program and the future of human planetary exploration on Sept. 7 in the Old Main Chapel.
Jakosky, a professor in the geological sciences department, will discuss what scientists have learned about the origin and history of the moon from return samples brought back by Apollo astronauts 30 years ago. Jakosky聮s lecture begins at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a reception in the CU Heritage Center, located on the third floor of Old Main. It is free and open to the public.
Also a research associate at the university聮s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics and director of CU-Boulder聮s NASA-sponsored Astrobiology Institute, Jakosky will address how the Apollo mission experience can help lead humans toward large-scale, manned exploration missions to Mars and beyond.
"After the manned lunar missions, I think many people began contemplating the significance of solar system exploration and its value to society," said Jakosky, a science team member for NASA聮s Mars Global Surveyor satellite mission.
"Humans seem to have a basic need to explore, and some scientists are anxious to test the limits of human survivability in space," he said. Jakosky believes humans someday will have a permanent presence on Mars, using much of the knowledge and technology gleaned from American experiences on the moon during the Apollo era.
CU-Boulder currently has one of only three moon rocks on display in the western United States, a fist-sized chunk on loan from NASA that is kept in an airtight glass case filled with nitrogen at the Heritage Center. Sponsored by the CU Alumni Association, the Heritage Center also has a number of other space items on display, including the space suit worn by CU astronaut alum Stuart Roosa on Apollo 14, the gloves worn by alum Jack Swigert on Apollo 13 and other mementos and displays.
For more information on Jakosky聮s lecture or the space gallery, contact the CU Heritage Center聮s Nancy Miller at (303) 492-6329.