From 1961 through 1969, scientists and artists worked together at Lowell Observatory to create detailed maps of the lunar surface. At the same time, astronauts traveled to northern Arizona to learn geology techniques and methods. One of their destinations was Lowell Observatory, where they studied how lunar features were depicted on the maps. Several of these future Moon explorers then viewed the Moon directly through the observatory’s historic 24-inch Clark Telescope.

An exhibit highlighting these important contributions is now on display in Lowell Observatory’s Putnam Collection Center and will run through the end of 2019, in coordination with Flagstaff’s Lunar Legacy Celebration.