When Apollo 11 astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin first set foot on the moon on July 20, 1969, he famously described the landscape as "magnificent desolation." Since then, six Apollo missions and a series of robotic landers have left behind a collection of objects that serve as historical markers of human space exploration.
From scientific instruments to personal mementos, these items offer a fascinating glimpse into our journey beyond Earth. Let’s explore some of the most intriguing things astronauts have left on the moon.
1. Lunar Module Descent Stages
Each Apollo mission that landed on the moon left behind the lower portion of its lunar module. These descent stages served as stable platforms for astronauts to return to their command modules in lunar orbit.
2. Science Experiments and Equipment
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A close-up view, taken on Feb. 5, 1971, of the laser ranging retro reflector (LR3), which the Apollo 14 astronauts deployed on the moon. NASA |
NASA deployed various scientific instruments to study the moon, some of which still function today. One of the most notable is the Laser Ranging Retroreflector, which allows scientists to measure the distance between the Earth and the moon with high precision.
3. American Flags
Planted by astronauts from Apollo 11 to Apollo 17 (except Apollo 13, which never landed), the flags symbolize the United States' achievement in space exploration. However, exposure to harsh lunar conditions has likely faded or even destroyed these flags over time.
4. A Silicon Disc with Messages of Peace
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A small silicon disc meant to symbolize international cooperation and goodwill featured this inscription: “Goodwill messages from around the world brought to the Moon by the astronauts of Apollo 11.” Around the rim of the disk is the statement: “From Planet Earth — July 1969.” NASA |
A small silicon disc remains on the moon, carrying goodwill messages from four U.S. presidents and statements from leaders of 73 countries. This tiny artifact represents humanity’s collective hope for peaceful exploration of space.
5. Mission Patches and Commemorative Plaques
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A commemorative plaque left on the moon in memory of 14 NASA astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts, now deceased. NASA |
Apollo astronauts left behind mission patches as symbols of their journeys. Additionally, a commemorative plaque remains on the moon, honoring astronauts and cosmonauts who lost their lives in space exploration.
6. Human Waste – A Biological Time Capsule
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The first picture Neil Armstrong took after landing on the moon shows a jettisoned waste bag likely with poop inside. NASA |
Astronauts left behind 96 bags of human waste (urine, feces, and food wrappers). These discarded materials are of great interest to scientists studying whether bacteria can survive in the extreme conditions of space.
7. Neil Armstrong's Boots
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Neil Armstrong left his boots behind on the moon to reduce mass for the trip home. NASA |
To reduce weight on the return trip, astronauts discarded unnecessary equipment—including Neil Armstrong’s boots. These now serve as a silent tribute to the first steps taken by humans on the moon.
8. A Family Photograph
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A photograph of Charles Duke’s family that was left behind on the lunar surface. NASA |
Astronaut Charles Duke left a photograph of his family on the lunar surface during Apollo 16. The back of the picture is inscribed with a heartfelt message, making it one of the most personal artifacts left on the moon.
9. The Ashes of Eugene Shoemaker
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An artist’s concept of the Lunar Prospector spacecraft, which carried the ashes of Eugene Shoemaker, just before impact on the moon. NASA/Ames |
Famed planetary scientist Eugene Shoemaker became the first person to have their remains sent to the moon. His ashes were delivered aboard NASA’s Lunar Prospector mission in 1998, in honor of his contributions to planetary science.
10. Golf Balls – A Game of Lunar Golf
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Shepherd's golf balls can be seen on the moon, along with life support backpacks (left) and a TV camera. NASA/JSC/ASU/Andy Saunders |
During Apollo 14, astronaut Alan Shepard famously hit two golf balls with a makeshift six-iron. These golf balls, still lying on the moon, are a lighthearted reminder of humanity’s adventurous spirit.
A Timeless Lunar Legacy
Unlike Earth, the moon lacks wind and water, meaning these items remain undisturbed. They serve as silent witnesses to human ingenuity and curiosity, telling a story of exploration that future generations may one day revisit.
What do you think about leaving personal items on the moon? Should future astronauts collect these artifacts, or should they remain as historical monuments? Share your thoughts in the comments!