Facts for Kids

Harrison Schmitt is an American astronaut who walked on the Moon! 🌕

He was born on July 3, 1935, in Santa Rita, New Mexico. He is one of the only 12 people who have ever set foot on the lunar surface. Schmitt flew to the Moon as a part of the Apollo 17 mission, which took place in December 1972. He is also a geologist, which means he studies rocks and the Earth. Schmitt collected many Moon rocks during his trip and continues to share his amazing experiences!

Harrison Schmitt is married to his wife, Tonja, and they have three children! 👨

‍👩‍👧‍👦 In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family and continues to study geology. Schmitt loves sharing his adventures with his children and teaching them about science. He has also written books about his experiences in space and the Moon's geology. Schmitt's personal life reflects his passion for exploration, learning, and teaching others about the universe!

After his time with NASA, Harrison Schmitt entered the world of politics! 🏛

️ In 1976, he was elected as a U.S. Senator from New Mexico. Schmitt served in the Senate until 1983. While in office, he focused on science and technology issues, promoting education and research. He also worked on national policies that would benefit New Mexico's economy. Schmitt believed in the importance of science and education, just as he did during his time as an astronaut!

Throughout his life, Harrison Schmitt has received many awards. 🏅

He earned NASA's Distinguished Service Medal for his contributions to space exploration. He also received the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter's "Moonwalkers" award to honor his Apollo 17 mission. In addition, Schmitt is a member of the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. He was honored for inspiring others through his work and adventurous spirit. These awards remind us how important it is to explore and discover new things in space!

Harrison Schmitt's impact goes beyond the Moon! 🌠

His groundbreaking work has inspired many young scientists and astronauts. By being the first geologist on the Moon, he showed us that science has a crucial role in exploring space. Schmitt's efforts in education and politics also help improve scientific research and promote learning. His legacy will encourage future generations to explore the stars and seek knowledge about the Universe! Harrison Schmitt will always be remembered as a pioneer who reached for the Moon!

Harrison Schmitt was part of the Apollo 17 mission, the last crewed mission to the Moon. 🚀

With his fellow astronaut Gene Cernan, he launched into space on December 7, 1972. After traveling 240,000 miles, they landed on the Moon on December 11, 1972. Schmitt became the first scientist to walk on the Moon! He searched for Moon rocks, took pictures, and helped conduct experiments during the mission. They spent 75 hours on the lunar surface, making important discoveries!

Harrison Schmitt grew up loving science and nature. 🌳

He attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Science. Later, he went on to Stanford University and earned a Ph.D. in Geology! He loved studying rocks and how they came to be. In 1965, he became a member of NASA, the organization that sends astronauts into space. Schmitt's education and curiosity about the Earth and the Moon paved the way for his adventure in space!

As a geologist, Schmitt provided valuable scientific insights during and after the Apollo 17 mission. 🔬

He studied the Moon's geology and how it formed. By collecting rock samples, he helped us understand the Moon's history better. Schmitt discovered that the Moon had volcanic activity many years ago. His research continues to help scientists learn more about not only the Moon but also Earth! Schmitt's scientific contributions are essential to our knowledge of space and planet Earth.

Harrison Schmitt is not just a scientist and politician; he loves to inspire others, especially kids! 🎤

He often speaks at schools and events, sharing his Moon stories and the importance of studying science. Schmitt believes that everyone should dream big and know that they can achieve great things! He encourages children to ask questions and explore the wonders around them. His speaking engagements help motivate future scientists and astronauts to reach for the stars!