NHAS LogoNew Hampshire Astronomical Society

 

April 20th in Astronomy and Space Science
Unmanned Spaceflight1966US Surveyor 3 spacecraft lands on the lunar surface in the region of Oceanus Procellarum. A failure of the engine shutdown mechanism causes Surveyor 3 to touch down three times before finally coming to a rest. In 1969, Apollo 12 landed within 200 meters of Surveyor 3 and recovered several pieces of the spacecraft to analyze wear and check for any signs of life: Surveyor 3 was not sterilized before launch. A sample of foam from inside the TV camera showed a small amount of the bacteria Streptococcus mitis that appeared to have survived the journey and 31 months on the Moon.
Manned Spaceflight1972The Apollo 16 Lunar Module "Orion" carrying astronauts John W. Young and Charles M. Duke, Jr lands in the Descartes region of the Moon.
Home Page
Join Us
Event Calendar
Newsletter
Library Telescope Program
NHAS Gear
Club Observatory
 Resource Guide (PDF)
Scope Buying Advice
Skywatches
Contact Us
Constitution & Bylaws
Neighboring Clubs
Acknowledgements
 Member's Area (login may be required)
Annual Dues
Forums
YFOS Map
Club Assets

Officer's Area (login required)
NHAS Administration
©2026 New Hampshire Astronomical Society • P.O. Box 5823 • Manchester, NH 03108-5823