Cernan Collection

Eugene Cernan on Moon Apollo 17
The last man on the Moon. Astronaut Eugene Cernan stands on the Moon during the Apollo 17 mission. At right is part of the Lunar Roving Vehicle (LRV), with its communications antenna

The Rover is dwarfed by a giant rock on the lunar surface, Apollo 17 mission, December 1972. US astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt collected samples and drove the Lunar Roving Vehicle

Lunar landing site, Apollo 17 mission, December 1972. Creator: NASA
Lunar landing site, Apollo 17 mission, December 1972. US astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt collected samples and drove the Lunar Roving Vehicle at the Taurus-Littrow Landing Site

Eugene Cernan using the Rover on the lunar surface, Apollo 17 mission, December 1972. US astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt collected samples

Harrison Schmitt with US flag on the surface of the Moon, Apollo 17 mission, December 1972
Astronaut Harrison Schmitt with US flag on the surface of the Moon, Apollo 17 mission, December 1972. Earth can be seen floating above the flag

Eugene Cernan using the Rover on the lunar surface, Apollo 17 mission, December 1972. US astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt collected samples

The Apollo 10 Command Module (Capsule), 26 May 1969. The capsule being winched aboard the prime recovery vessel USS Princeton at the end of its mission in May 1969

Launch of the Apollo 17 mission, 1972. Apollo 17 was the last Apollo moon landing mission and the only one to be launched at night

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Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon during the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972, left an indelible mark on history. As he stepped onto the lunar surface, his every move was documented by NASA for future generations to marvel at. The Rover he used seemed tiny compared to the vastness of space and a giant rock that stood as a testament to the Moon's ancient history. Cernan's fellow astronaut Harrison Schmitt proudly planted the US flag alongside him, symbolizing their nation's triumph in reaching this celestial body. Together, they explored the lunar landing site with awe and wonder, capturing breathtaking images that would forever be etched into our collective memory. Years later, Cernan's legacy continued to inspire as his photograph was displayed alongside a memorial wreath during a remembrance ceremony. Former astronaut Jon McBride spoke passionately about Cernan's achievements and contributions to space exploration during another commemorative event. The Astronaut Hall of Fame honored Cernan with a dedicated display showcasing his remarkable journey through space. His name will forever be synonymous with bravery and determination as he pushed boundaries beyond Earth's atmosphere. But it all began years before Apollo 17 when Cernan embarked on another historic mission – Apollo 10 – where he piloted its command module back in May 1969. This experience laid the groundwork for his subsequent lunar expedition three years later. As we look back at Eugene Cernan's extraordinary life and career, we are reminded of humanity's insatiable curiosity and desire to explore new frontiers. He truly embodied what it means to reach for the stars while leaving an everlasting impact on our understanding of outer space.