Tellus Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Moon Landing

/PRNewswire/ -- Tellus: Northwest Georgia Science Museum is commemorating the 40th anniversary of the first manned landing on the Moon with a weekend of special events Saturday, July 18 through Monday, July 20.

The weekend's highlight is a special book signing and talk by NASA artist Paul Calle, the only artist allowed on site when the Apollo 11 astronauts prepared for their historic voyage. Calle's work has been featured in exhibits across the country and much of it is now housed in the National Air and Space Museum. Tellus owns one original Calle painting and several high-quality reproductions. Calle will be signing copies of his new book "Celebrating Apollo 11" on Sunday, July 19 at 1 p.m. before sharing his memories of the Apollo 11 launch during a 2 p.m. lecture. The lecture is free for members or included with paid museum admission for the public.

"We're delighted to have an artist of Paul Calle's caliber here," said Tellus executive director Jose Santamaria. "His unique perspective - being the only artist allowed with the Apollo 11 astronauts on the day of the launch, gives him an experience that we can't wait to hear about and share with our visitors."

The day before the lecture, Saturday, July 18, Tellus will open the museum's observatory for a tour of the night sky beginning from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. This public viewing is free with paid museum admission.

"Unfortunately the Moon will not be visible that evening, but weather permitting, we will be able to see the planet Saturn, star clusters and the Ring Nebula," said Tellus Astronomer David Dundee. "We might also catch some double stars, too. It's sure to be a great night for stargazing."

Throughout the weekend Tellus will offer numerous events, including continuous showings of a new show in the digital planetarium. "Dawn of the Space Age" chronicles the beginning of space exploration, the launch of the first artificial satellite and the incredible lunar landings. Tellus will also offer demonstrations of the Apollo voyage using models, children's activities and screenings of archived NASA footage.

The celebration and activities will continue through Monday, July 20, the actual anniversary of the Moon landing.

"We are pleased to commemorate this historic event at Tellus. It is a proud moment in this country's numerous scientific advancements and, 40 years later, it is still an amazing story," Santamaria said.

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NASA Television Commemorates Apollo 8 Christmas Eve Broadcast

/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- NASA Television will honor the 40th anniversary of the historic Christmas Eve broadcast by the Apollo 8 crew with special programming Dec. 24 and 25 on the NASA TV Public Channel (101).

Forty years ago, Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders became the first humans to visit another heavenly body as they successfully orbited the moon in their Apollo 8 spacecraft. On Dec. 24, 1968, the three astronauts devoted one of their mission's six live television transmissions to reading from the biblical book of Genesis during what has since come to be known as the Christmas Eve Broadcast.

To commemorate the anniversary, NASA TV will air the following special programs:

"The Annual John H. Glenn Lecture -- An Evening with the Apollo 8 Astronauts," a panel discussion with Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders recorded Nov. 13, 2008, at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. Former U.S. senator and NASA astronaut John Glenn provided their introduction.

"The Apollo 8 Crew Remembers Historic Mission, Live from the Newseum," a panel discussion with the Apollo 8 astronauts moderated by Nick Clooney and recorded Nov. 13, 2008, at the Newseum in Washington.

"De-Brief Apollo 8," an historical documentary of Apollo 8, narrated by Burgess Meredith (1970).

"Apollo 8 Christmas Video," a 10-minute documentary featuring Apollo 8 astronauts describing their historic mission. (Excerpts from the John H. Glenn Lecture recorded Nov. 13, 2008.)

"Apollo 8 -- December 21, 1968," a NASA Manned Space Flight Film Report on the Apollo 8 mission (1970).

The NASA Television Video File also will include footage documenting the Apollo 8 mission's Christmas Eve broadcast. For program times and listings, consult the NASA Television schedule online at:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

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