[Apollo 17] A FINAL LUNAR SPECTACLE FROM A MANNED SPACECRAFT: the horizon above Crater Eratosthe...

[Apollo 17] A FINAL LUNAR SPECTACLE FROM A MANNED SPACECRAFT: the horizon above Crater Eratosthenes (NASA's own copy, used and annotated, for the preparation of its final Apollo science report) Eugene Cernan or Harrison Schmitt, 7-19 December 1972 Printed 1972. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image AS17-145-22285]. Original editorial labels in the white margins on the recto for publication in NASA's Apollo 17 Preliminary Science Report (NASA SP-330), with 'A Kodak Paper' watermark and traces of previous mounting on the reverse, numbered 'NASA AS17-145-22285' in red in the top margin (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas), together with an original NASA sheet indicating directives and notes (figure 4-56) for publication in the report. 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context A breathtaking oblique view of Eratosthenes Crater at low Sun before returning to Earth. This extraordinary oblique photograph, taken from Challenger during docking manoeuvres with America, showcases the 60-km-wide Eratosthenes Crater in dramatic relief, with the 93-km-wide Copernicus Crater visible on the distant horizon. Captured at an altitude of 112 km, the image was taken using the lunar surface Hasselblad 500 EL Data Camera equipped with a 60mm lens (Magazine 145/D). The low Sun angle (9° elevation) casts long shadows that accentuate the rugged terrain and intricate patterns of secondary craters. This stunning view offers a striking sense of depth, revealing the violent impact history of the Moon and the stark beauty of its desolate landscape. Footnotes: [Apollo 17 Preliminary Science Report caption] FIGURE 4-56. – This high-oblique view from the LM after lift-off from the lunar surface includes the craters Eratosthenes (60 km in diameter) at left centre and Copernicus on the horizon at the right. The view is to the southwest from southern Mare Imbrium. To the left of Eratosthenes is the southern end of Montes Apenninus. Patterns of secondary craters are emphasized in this low-Sun-angle photograph (AS17-145-22285). Literature Apollo 17 Preliminary Science Report (NASA SP-330), figure 4-56 For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing