The first telescope on the Moon gazes skyward from the shadow of the Apollo 16 lunar module, Orion, in April 1972, while astronaut Charles Duke looks on. The telescope looked at the ultraviolet sky, which is invisible from Earth's surface. The telescope stayed in Orion's shadow to keep cool. [NASA/John Young]
For more skywatching tips, astronomy news, and much more, read StarDate magazine.
Keep up with everything in the sky with a subscription to our daily radio program, hosted by Sandy Wood.
StarDate depends on the support of listeners and astronomy enthusiasts like you. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to StarDate.
StarDate is brought to you in part through the generous support of our underwriters. Interested in underwriting? Let us know.
©2013 The University of Texas McDonald Observatory