description Moon Rock (Apollo 11) Overview
A fragment of lunar rock retrieved by astronauts during the Apollo 11 mission offers a tangible connection to humanity’s first steps on the Moon. Collected in July 1969, this basalt sample is one of the earliest materials brought back from another celestial body. It's now part of the Smithsonian collection and provides valuable insights for geologists studying lunar geology and planetary formation. This artifact is of particular interest to scientists, researchers, and anyone fascinated by space exploration and Earth’s Moon.
insights Ranking position
Moon Rock (Apollo 11) ranks #33 of 235 in the Artifact ranking, behind The Kiss (Klimt), ahead of Archaeopteryx Berlin Specimen.
help Moon Rock (Apollo 11) FAQ
How much Moon material did Apollo 11 bring back?
Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin collected about 21.5 kilograms of lunar material during Apollo 11. The haul included rocks, soil, and core samples from the Sea of Tranquility.
What kind of rock did Apollo 11 collect?
The collection includes basalt formed from ancient lunar lava as well as breccias created from fragments fused by impacts. Scientists also studied fine regolith that had been exposed directly to space.
Can a private person legally own an Apollo 11 Moon rock?
Apollo lunar samples remain property of the United States and are generally assigned to research, education, or official displays rather than sold. Small lunar meteorites found naturally on Earth occupy a different legal and collecting category.
Where are the Apollo 11 samples kept?
Most Apollo samples are curated by NASA at Johnson Space Center in Houston. Selected fragments have been loaned to museums and distributed as diplomatic goodwill displays.
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