Scientist-astronaut Harrison Schmitt stands next to a large boulder during an exploration of the lunar surface by he and fellow Apollo 17 astronaut, Eugene Cernan. This boulder was named Split Rock. Scientists analyzing the samples taken from Split Rock concluded that it was solidified impact material. This means that Split Rock was formed from melted rock thrown out by the impact of a meteorite. In the background you can also see the lunar rover which was used by the astronauts to travel away from the landing site in order to collect lunar samples.
NASA Photo ID: AS17-140-2149
The StarChild site is a service of the High Energy Astrophysics Science Archive Research Center (HEASARC), Dr. Alan Smale (Director), within the Astrophysics Science Division (ASD) at NASA/ GSFC.
StarChild Authors: The StarChild Team
StarChild Graphics & Music: Acknowledgments
StarChild Project Leader: Dr. Laura A. Whitlock
Responsible NASA Official:
If you have comments or questions about the StarChild site, please send them to us.