Eugene Shoemaker, a prominent planetary geologist, was in fact the first human whose ashes were “interred” on the Moon. Shoemaker is best known for his work in lunar exploration and the impact he had on the field of planetary science. He contributed significantly to our understanding of the geology of the Moon and was also a co-discoverer of the Shoemaker-Levy 9 comets.

After his death in 1997, part of his ashes were placed aboard the Lunar Prospector space probe, which was launched in 1998. When the probe deliberately crashed into the Moon in 1999 as part of its scientific mission, it carried Shoemaker's ashes. Shoemaker thus became the first human to have a part of himself "interred" on the lunar surface, a fitting tribute to someone so dedicated to space exploration and science.

Who was Eugene Shoemaker?

Eugene Shoemaker was an American planetary geologist born in 1928 and died in 1997. He is considered one of the most prominent figures in the field of planetary geology and a pioneer in the exploration of the Moon and other celestial bodies in the Solar System. Shoemaker played a crucial role in the formation of NASA and contributed significantly to many space missions.

His research and work have profoundly influenced our understanding of lunar geology. Shoemaker studied impact craters, geologic formations, and processes that shaped the lunar surface. He also co-discovered Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 in 1993, which gained worldwide attention when it collided with Jupiter in 1994.

In addition to his scientific contributions, Shoemaker played a key role in the education of astronauts, helping to train them in field geology for the Apollo missions to the Moon. His passion for space exploration and understanding celestial bodies led him to become a highly respected figure in the scientific community.

Why were his ashes taken to the Moon?

Eugene Shoemaker's ashes were taken to the Moon as a tribute to his significant contributions to planetary science and his passion for space exploration. Shoemaker spent much of his life studying the Moon and contributing to our understanding of lunar geology. He was instrumental in training the Apollo astronauts in field geology, which helped them collect valuable samples from the lunar surface during their missions.

After his death in 1997, part of his ashes were placed aboard the Lunar Prospector space probe, launched in 1998. Lunar Prospector's primary mission was to map the surface of the Moon and study its composition, but it also carried Shoemaker's ashes as a gesture of honor and recognition for his contributions to lunar exploration.

When the Lunar Prospector probe was decommissioned and shut down in 1999, it was deliberately directed to impact the surface of the Moon. In doing so, Eugene Shoemaker's ashes, carried by the probe, were effectively "buried" on the Moon, making him the first human to have a part of himself deposited in lunar soil, a fitting tribute to someone so dedicated to space exploration and planetary science.