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NASA UNCLASSIFIED

Apollo 17 Air-to-Ground Voice Transcription (Tape 5/2 - 5/4)

Date December 1972
Location Cislunar space (translunar coast)
Type Mission transcript
Pages 16

Crew (Cernan, Evans, Schmitt) observe and discuss bright particles and fragments during an S-IVB maneuver -- flat, flakelike, jagged angular fragments up to 6 inches across, tumbling slowly and twinkling.

Apollo 17debrisfragmentsS-IVBvisual observation
Analysis

Gene Cernan was emphatic: "definitely not a particle that is nearby... it is a bright object, and it's obviously rotating because it's flashing. It's way out in the distance." During translunar coast, Apollo 17's commander identified a distinct object 10-12 Earth diameters from Earth, flashing with a rhythmic dual pattern -- one bright, one dull per rotation. Jack Schmitt noted it had been visible for roughly 24 hours before they realized it wasn't just another nearby particle. Later, Cernan spotted a second flasher widely separated from the first, matching in intensity. He suggested both could be SLA panels. Earlier in the mission, the crew had described a field of jagged angular fragments tumbling after separation -- "Fourth of July" debris, some six inches across. Cernan also reported cosmic ray flashes "like a very bright headlight, like a train coming at you."

Key Findings
  • Field of bright, jagged angular fragments observed after separation -- "flat, flakelike particles, some 6 inches across," tumbling slowly with no relative motion between them
  • A distinct bright rotating object observed in the distance for approximately 24 hours with rhythmic dual-flash pattern (bright flash then dull flash per rotation)
  • CDR emphasized: "definitely not a particle that is nearby... it is a bright object, and it's obviously rotating because it's flashing. It's way out in the distance"
  • Object positioned approximately 10-12 Earth diameters from Earth at 11 o'clock position, 45 degrees elevation
  • Houston suggested using gimbal angles and optics to get a better look
  • Later observation revealed TWO similar flashers, widely separated, "alike in intensity" -- CDR suggested they could be SLA (Spacecraft Lunar Module Adapter) panels
  • LMP noted the primary object had been visible for ~24 hours but wasn't initially recognized as possibly being the S-IVB
  • Crew also observed cosmic ray light flashes -- "a very bright spot that flashed right between my eyes like a very bright headlight"
Page Extractions 16 pages

Page 1

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doc_typetranscript
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionApollo 17 mission transcript (Tape 5/2) showing communication between spacecraft and Houston mission control regarding maneuver procedures and observations of bright particles near the spacecraft.
datesMission elapsed time references: 00 03 25 01, 00 03 27 27, 00 03 31 55, 00 03 34 10
people
  • CC (Capcom/Capsule Communicator) | NASA mission control | Houston | communicator
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | Jack | astronaut
  • CMP (Command Module Pilot) | Bob | astronaut
  • Roger | Houston mission control | communicator
organizations
  • NASA Houston Mission Control | governmental_agency
  • Apollo 17 | mission
observations
  • Crew unable to see anything going through the sunrise
  • Spacecraft maneuvering with Maneuver start time at 03:33:27
  • Cabin pressure readings of 5.9 copied
  • LMP reports: "There's a whole bunch of big ones on my window down there - just bright. It looks like the Fourth of July out of Ron's window."
  • Particles or fragments described as "very bright"
  • CMP reports: "Now you can see some of them in shape. They're very jagged, angular fragments that are tumbling."
  • Observations noted during spacecraft maneuvers
references
  • Tape 5/2 | recording designation
  • SEP time | scheduled event procedure
  • Frame 65 for LMPs mag November | reference to photographic documentation
  • Cabin press | pressure measurement
quotes
  • "Yes, we copied your V_i and your EMS numbers, and we've got a number for you." | CC
  • "Maneuver at 03:33:27." | LMP
  • "You guys didn't tell us we couldn't see anything going through the sunrise." | LMP
  • "Now we've got a few very bright particles or fragments or something that go drifting by as we maneuver." | CMP
  • "There's a whole bunch of big ones on my window down there - just bright. It looks like the Fourth of July out of Ron's window." | LMP
  • "Yes. Now you can see some of them in shape. They're very jagged, angular fragments that are tumbling." | CMP
redactionsText highlighted in yellow: Key observations about bright particles and fragments

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page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 5/3) continuing discussion of bright particles and fragments observed near spacecraft, with analysis and speculation about their origin and composition.
datesMission elapsed time references: 00 03 37 34, 00 03 37 45, 00 03 37 46
people
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control
  • CMP (Command Module Pilot) | Bob | astronaut
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | astronaut
  • CDR (Commander) | astronaut
observations
  • Particles described as "very bright"
  • CMP states fragments are "not - or are tumbling at a very slow rate"
  • Fragments described as "pieces of something"
  • CMP attempted pictures of fragments with different settings to capture patterns
  • CMP describes: "There are a number of possibilities. If you had some kind of - I got the impression maybe they were curved a little bit, as if they might be - off the side of the S-IVB."
  • Observer noticed something on elevator on S-II that looked like it was peeling
  • Possibly paint coming off, or ice chunks
  • Maneuver complete noted at 00 03 37 45
  • Fragment field described as "essentially static, except for very slight tumbling within the fragments"
references
  • OMNI Charlie | communication mode
  • S-IVB | spacecraft stage
  • S-II | spacecraft stage
  • RCS LOGIC | reaction control system
  • Elevator mechanism | spacecraft component
quotes
  • "They look like fluid of some sort?" | CC
  • "Not to me. They look like pieces of something." | CMP
  • "They're very bright." | CMP
  • "Bob, for the most part, these fragments are not - or are tumbling at a very slow rate. I tried a couple of pictures of them - different settings." | CMP
  • "There are a number of possibilities. If you had some kind of - I got the impression maybe they were curved a little bit, as if they might be - off the side of the S-IVB. And that's a wild guess - -" | CMP
  • "-- ice chunks, possibly. Or maybe there's paint coming off of it." | CMP
  • "I noticed on one trip up the elevator last week near one of the flags. I thought it was on the S-II, but it might have been on the S-IVB. Looked like it was peeling. Maybe that's what you've got." | CC
  • "And the S-IVB maneuver is complete." | CC
  • "And the - with the maneuver complete, the fragment field is essentially static, except for very slight tumbling within the fragments." | CMP
redactionsMultiple sections highlighted in yellow indicating key observations

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classificationnone visible
page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 5/4) continuing observations of particle field with detailed descriptions of fragment characteristics, velocity, and size measurements.
datesMission elapsed time references: 00 03 38 01, 00 03 39 35, 00 03 39 53, 00 03 39 57
people
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control, Roger
  • CMP (Command Module Pilot) | Bob | astronaut
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | Jack | astronaut
  • CDR (Commander) | Geno | astronaut
observations
  • CMP: "Every once in a while, a fragment of considerably higher velocity than the others goes across my window. But that's very rare."
  • CMP reports field of view from window, asks if LMP sees it
  • CMP: "And, Bob. At least, there - there's no apparent relative motion between fragments."
  • CMP planning to take pictures about a minute apart, Frame 70
  • CDR (Geno) assessment: "My impression is that they are - flat, flakelike particles. Some may be 6 inches across. And, although there's no relative motion between the two, most of them seem to be twinkling. And I think, for the most part, they're all moving away from us."
  • Spacecraft systems being armed: TRANS CONTROL, CONTROLLER number 2, SECS LOGIC
  • Thumbwheels setting: 0180 and 0
references
  • Frame 70 | photographic frame number
  • TRANS CONTROL | spacecraft system
  • SECS LOGIC | spacecraft system
quotes
  • "Every once in a while, a fragment of considerably higher velocity than the others goes across my window. But that's very rare." | CMP
  • "Hey, that's that field of view I saw out my window. Jack, do you see it now?" | CMP
  • "And, Bob. At least, there - there's no apparent relative motion between fragments." | CMP
  • "I'll take two pictures about a minute apart if I can. And it'll be Frame 70." | CMP
  • "And, Bob. This is Geno. My impression is that they are - flat, flakelike particles. Some may be 6 inches across. And, although there's no relative motion between the two, most of them seem to be twinkling. And I think, for the most part, they're all moving away from us." | CDR
  • "Okay. We've got 0180 and 0 on the old thumbwheels." | CMP
  • "TRANS CONTROL is ARMED." | CMP
  • "CONTROLLER number 2 is ARMED." | CMP
redactionsMultiple sections highlighted in yellow for key observations about particles

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doc_typetranscript
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 5/5) showing spacecraft systems operations and procedures for lunar module operations and separation activities.
datesMission elapsed time references: 00 03 40 01, 00 03 40 13, 00 03 40 38, 00 03 41 00, 00 03 41 19, 00 03 41 42, 00 03 41 55, 00 03 41 59, 00 03 42 12, 00 03 42 19, 00 03 42 29
people
  • CMP (Command Module Pilot) | Bob | astronaut
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | Jack | astronaut
  • CDR (Commander) | astronaut
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control
operations
  • SECS LOGIC closed, SBCS ARM closed, LOGIC POWER ON
  • GO for T&D (Test and Deployment)
  • ARM PYROS, GDC ALIGN procedures
  • Maneuver complete, verifying 0180 and 0? on GDC
  • DELTA-V in NORMAL mode
  • S-IVB switches all set
  • Starting DET (Docking Equipment Test)
  • Running at 59:30
  • LAUNCH VEHICLE SEP (Separation) preparations
  • MC in AUTO
  • Checking covers
  • Pitch procedures with 15 seconds guidance
  • SEPARATION procedure sequence
references
  • T&D | test and deployment procedure
  • PYROS | pyrotechnic systems
  • GDC | guidance and control system
  • DELTA-V | velocity change
  • S-IVB | spacecraft stage
  • DET | docking equipment test
  • LAUNCH VEHICLE SEP | separation
  • MC | mode control
  • SEPARATION | spacecraft separation procedure
quotes
  • "Okay. SECS LOGIC is CLOSED; SBCS ARM are CLOSED; LOGIC POWER is ON." | CMP
  • "You have a GO for T&D." | CC
  • "Okay. A GO for T&D." | CDR
  • "Okay. We'll ARM the PYROS. And we'll hit the GDC ALIGN." | CMP
  • "And maneuver's complete. And 0180 and 0? On the GDC? No. It's just ... it's kind of diddling." | CMP
  • "Okay. DELTA-V in NORMAL." | CMP
  • "S-IVB, okay. Okay, switches are all set." | CMP
  • "Okay. Let's start the DET." | CMP
  • "Tickity-tick-tickity, Houston. We're running at 59:30." | CDR
  • "That's LAUNCH VEHICLE SEP, push button." | CMP
  • "MC in AUTO." | CMP
  • "SEPARATION, Houston." | CDR
  • "Okay, I'm going to start the - My gosh, look at the junk! Okay; there's 15 seconds. Pitch hor up. Okay, we'll PROCEED on the - -" | CMP

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page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 46/4) containing CDR (Geno) description of unusual celestial phenomena observed during the mission, described as bright flashing lights and peripheral horizon phenomena.
datesMission elapsed time references: 02 18 41 11, 02 18 41 59, 02 18 42 34
people
  • CDR (Commander) | Geno | astronaut
  • CMP (Command Module Pilot) | Bob | astronaut
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control, Roger
observations
  • CDR describes observations from first night: "I guess the first night I was in bed - I definitely saw some of these - because I had a hard time going to bed, to start with - I saw some of the same peripheral horizon-type things you said were not the type of data you were looking for; but I also saw a - some sets of the streaks. And probably the one most imposing thing I remember is - and the last one I remember before falling asleep - was the fact that there was a very bright spot that flashed right between my eyes like a very bright headlight - like a train coming at you, only with a flash. It's difficult probably to estimate the frequency of any of those because I was in a - sort of a sleep-hazy mode."
  • CDR further reports: "But then, as today, I saw some that flashed and lit up the horizon and some that lit up peripherally; and I guess, as you say, that's a different kind of data, but I did see them there and they impressed me."
  • CMP: "And it might be interesting to know I've never seen it before today."
references
  • Peripheral horizon-type phenomena | observation
  • Streaks | observed phenomena
  • Flashing bright spots | celestial phenomena
  • Headlight-like flash | description
assessmentsCC states: "Hey, Gene, we appreciate all the data. We were just trying to make the data fit the curve; you know the old trick."
quotes
  • "I guess the first night I was in bed - I definitely saw some of these - because I had a hard time going to bed, to start with - I saw some of the same peripheral horizon-type things you said were not the type of data you were looking for; but I also saw a - some sets of the streaks. And probably the one most imposing thing I remember is - and the last one I remember before falling asleep - was the fact that there was a very bright spot that flashed right between my eyes like a very bright headlight - like a train coming at you, only with a flash." | CDR
  • "But then, as today, I saw some that flashed and lit up the horizon and some that lit up peripherally; and I guess, as you say, that's a different kind of data, but I did see them there and they impressed me." | CDR
  • "And it might be interesting to know I've never seen it before today." | CMP
redactionsMultiple sections highlighted in yellow for key observations

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classificationnone visible
page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 46/5) discussing sighting observations, photographic documentation of phenomena, and discussion of S-IVB tracking and impact calculations.
datesMission elapsed time: 02 18 44 40
people
  • CDR (Commander) | Geno | astronaut
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | Jack | astronaut
  • FIDO | Flight Dynamics Officer
observations
  • CDR: "I will say one thing, though; no question in my mind but that they're there. Last trip I took, I guess I just wasn't looking for them or paying any attention to them. Maybe they were there and I ignored them because of other things. But they're there."
  • LMP photographed phenomena: "Okay, all you flash bugs down there - or flash-bulbs I guess is the word - frame 50. I just took four pictures to show - two on the side and two on the bottom - to show the position of the ALRMED, and one of them of each set was focused on the ALRMED. The others were focused on the - the other set was focused on the struts."
  • LMP: "And when you don't have anything else to do, why don't you have somebody predict where the S-IVB is. I think I've got her spotted - behind us and above us with respect to the Earth and our travel from it."
  • Discussion of S-IVB tracking and impact calculations
  • LMP examined S-IVB through monocular instrument
references
  • Frame 50 | photographic reference
  • ALRMED | spacecraft component
  • Struts | spacecraft structural elements
  • S-IVB | spacecraft stage
  • FIDO calculations | flight dynamics analysis
assessmentsCC: "No, what's humorous on this, Jack, is they have really been working on that S-IVB impact point -, and they've really been - it's been a - a real difficult problem for them so far."
quotes
  • "I just wanted you to - just told them like we saw them. That's all." | CDR
  • "I will say one thing, though; no question in my mind but that they're there." | CDR
  • "Okay, all you flash bugs down there - or flash-bulbs I guess is the word - frame 50." | LMP
  • "And when you don't have anything else to do, why don't you have somebody predict where the S-IVB is. I think I've got her spotted - behind us and above us with respect to the Earth and our travel from it." | LMP
  • "I looked at it through the monocular and sure looks like the S-IVB." | LMP
redactionsLMP statement highlighted in yellow regarding S-IVB prediction

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classificationnone visible
page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 46/6) containing spacecraft stowage procedures and CDR observation of a distinct bright rotating object distinct from particle field.
datesMission elapsed time references: 02 18 46 46, 02 18 47 51
people
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control, Roger
  • CMP (Command Module Pilot) | Bob, Ron | astronaut
  • CDR (Commander) | Gene | astronaut
operations
  • ALFMED stowage procedures
  • Plate movement procedures
  • Blindfold removal for visual tasks
  • LOI abort chart review procedures
observationsCDR describes separate object distinct from particle field: "Hey, Bob, I'm looking at what - what Jack was talking about; and it's definitely not a particle that is nearby because there is another one I can look at and get a three-dimensional comparison with. It is a - it is a bright object, and it's obviously rotating because it's flashing. It's way out in the distance. As I say, because there are particles that are close by and it's obviously not one of those. It's apparently rotating in a"
references
  • ALFMED | spacecraft equipment
  • LOI abort charts | procedure documentation
  • Page 3-81, 3-82 | chart references
  • Cue card for LOI limits | reference document
assessmentsCC acknowledges long briefing on LOI abort procedures
quotes
  • "Are you all done with the ALFMED now, Ron?" | CC
  • "Yes, I've got to get it to - get the plate moved back down there yet." | CMP
  • "Roger. I just want you to know. We've got a real long update coming up to you here on the LOI abort charts and that - and it's going to be, probably, a difficult readup. And you're the most familiar with the charts; you probably would want to take them. But whenever you want to take them, they are on - charts on page 3-81, 3-82, and then the cue card for LOI limits." | CC
  • "Stand by, Bob. Let us get squared away from the ALFMED; then we can get going on that." | CMP
  • "Hey, Bob, I'm looking at what - what Jack was talking about; and it's definitely not a particle that is nearby because there is another one I can look at and get a three-dimensional comparison with. It is a - it is a bright object, and it's obviously rotating because it's flashing." | CDR
redactionsCDR observation highlighted in yellow regarding bright rotating object

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doc_typetranscript
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 46/7) containing detailed description of bright rotating object with flashing characteristics and positioning relative to Earth and spacecraft optics analysis.
datesMission elapsed time references: 02 18 49 02, 02 18 50 13, 02 18 50 58
people
  • CDR (Commander) | Gene | astronaut
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control, Roger
  • SC (Spacecraft) | radio speaker
  • CMP (Command Module Pilot) | astronaut
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | Jack | astronaut
observations
  • Object description: "Very rhythmic fashion because the flashes come around almost - almost on time. And it's as we look back at the Earth, it's up at about 11:00 about - oh, maybe 10 or 12 Earth diameters. I don't know whether that does you any good, but there is something out there."
  • CDR emphasis: "Okay. And I - I - I just want to emphasize that it's definitely not - not one of these particles that tends to look like a star out there. It's something physical in the distance."
  • Object positioning: Located "out the center window - the hatch window - and it'll give you a hack when it crosses the XX axis at the center window; and I guess it's up maybe 45 degrees."
  • LMP/CDR agree on angle: "45 degrees pitched up" with 45 degrees agreed upon
references
  • NOUN 20 | spacecraft parameter
  • NOUR 20s | attitude reference
  • XX axis | spacecraft coordinate reference
  • Center window/hatch window | observation location
assessments
  • CC: "We don't doubt it, Gene. And we might work out a set of gimbal angles or something here; maybe we can get a look at it through the optics."
  • CC suggests locating object using spacecraft attitude and gimbal angles
quotes
  • "Very rhythmic fashion because the flashes come around almost - almost on time. And it's as we look back at the Earth, it's up at about 11:00 about - oh, maybe 10 or 12 Earth diameters." | CDR
  • "Okay. And I - I - I just want to emphasize that it's definitely not - not one of these particles that tends to look like a star out there. It's something physical in the distance." | CDR
  • "Okay, I'm looking it out - looking at it out the center window - the hatch window - and it'll give you a hack when it crosses the XX axis at the center window; and I guess it's up maybe 45 degrees." | CDR
  • "It's 45 degrees pitched up, and I'll give you a hack when it crosses the XX axis." | CDR
redactionsMultiple sections highlighted in yellow for object description and positioning

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page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 46/8) documenting object crossing reference plane, detailed flashing pattern description, and LMP observations of object brightness changes over time.
datesMission elapsed time references: 02 18 51 32, 02 18 52 18, 02 18 53 10, 02 18 55 24, 02 18 56 27
people
  • CDR (Commander) | Gene | astronaut
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control, Roger
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | Jack | astronaut
  • CMP (Command Module Pilot) | Ron | astronaut
observations
  • CDR marks object crossing XZ plane of spacecraft
  • CDR detailed flashing pattern: "One unique thing about it, Bob, is that it's got two flashes. As it comes around in - in rhythmic fashion, you get a very bright flash; and then you get a dull flash. And then it'll come around with a bright flash, and then a dull flash."
  • LMP comparison: "That's the side and - of the S-IVB - and the engine bell, Gene."
  • LMP observation: "Bob, couple of revolutions ago when I was looking at it, I had a much brighter view and I believe I was looking at it broadside. It looks to me like it may be flashing more or less end-on now. It's much, not - not as bright, although it's getting brighter. But it's not as bright now as it was awhile ago."
  • LMP further assessment: "... we've been noticing that, I think, for about 24 hours or so. I just - hadn't put it together as maybe being the S-IVB. I thought it was just some other particle out there."
references
  • XZ plane | spacecraft reference
  • S-IVB | spacecraft stage
  • Engine bell | spacecraft component
  • Monocular | optical instrument
quotes
  • "MARK it. It just crossed through the - -" | CDR
  • "-- let's call it the XZ plane of the spacecraft. One unique thing about it, Bob, is that it's got two flashes. As it comes around in - in rhythmic fashion, you get a very bright flash; and then you get a dull flash. And then it'll come around with a bright flash, and then a dull flash." | CDR
  • "He couldn't see the engine bell if he had 10 monoculars." | CDR
  • "Bob, couple of revolutions ago when I was looking at it, I had a much brighter view and I believe I was looking at it broadside. It looks to me like it may be flashing more or less end-on now. It's much, not - not as bright, although it's getting brighter. But it's not as bright now as it was awhile ago." | LMP
redactionsMultiple sections highlighted in yellow for detailed observations

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doc_typetranscript
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 46/9) containing weather observation discussion and flight plan updates, with shift from space observations to terrestrial weather analysis.
datesMission elapsed time references: 02 18 56 53, 02 18 58 27
people
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control, Roger
  • CDR (Commander) | Gene | astronaut
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | Bob, Jack | astronaut
  • CMP (Command Module Pilot) | astronaut
observations
  • LMP describes cloud pattern: "That line of clouds I called a fir-tree pattern that swings up towards Hawaii - Hawaii, if you will - has - also has a mushroom pattern on the top. It has the appearance as if two major air masses - one going from west to east and the other form east to west - have converged along that line, and the joint movement of air at the interface being south to north. And up in the area of Hawaii, I think, it tends to mushroom so that the pattern then goes back to flow from west to east on the east side and from east to west on the west side."
  • LMP: "In a little while, we'll probably get a pretty good look at a - what looks like a very concentrated intense storm that, I think, is just - east -"
references
  • Hawaii | location
  • Flight Plan and stuff | documentation
  • LOI card | procedure documentation
  • Flight Plan 3-82 and 3-81 | reference documents
  • Cowboys/Redskins game | sports reference (3\4 to 2\4, wild-card slot, NFC, Washington, Dallas, playoffs)
quotes
  • "Bob, that line of clouds I called a fir-tree pattern that swings up towards Hawaii - Hawaii, if you will - has - also has a mushroom pattern on the top." | LMP
  • "In a little while, we'll probably get a pretty good look at a - what looks like a very concentrated intense storm that, I think, is just - east -" | LMP
  • "Houston, 17. How do you read?" | LMP
  • "Okay, Bob, you want to update the LOI card and Flight Plan 3-82 and 3-81; is that right?" | CDR

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page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 47/14) containing Earth observation reports and CDR description of two additional bright flashing objects observed with different characteristics from the previously observed object.
datesMission elapsed time references: 02 20 55 22, 02 20 56 52, 02 21 01 07
people
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | Ron, Jack | astronaut
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control, Roger
  • CMP (Command Module Pilot) | Ron | astronaut
  • CDR (Commander) | Gene | astronaut
locations
  • Solomon Islands | Earth observation
  • New Zealand | Earth observation (first time in couple days)
  • South Island | Earth location
  • North Island | Earth location
  • El Lago | NASA facility
observations
  • Terrestrial weather observations: "And I'll just confirm that the - that disturbance over the So - Solomon Islands is an awfully tightly wound little storm system. And right now, I finally have see New Zealand for the first time in a couple of days, for sure. And the South Island's got some, probably high cirrus over it. North Island looks pretty clear."
  • CDR reports two additional flashing objects: "Hey, Bob. We got two of those flashers out there. They could be SLA panels. I don't know. They're alike in intensity and pretty regular in the - in the intensity, bright and dim flashes they come out with, and they're widely separated. One is about the position we called at the first time; the other one is - oh, as I'm looking at the Earth, far to the left. Closer to the center window now."
references
  • Regulus | celestial reference
  • Solomon Islands | Earth location
  • New Zealand | Earth location
  • SLA panels | spacecraft component (Spacecraft Lunar Module Adapter)
  • El Lago | location reference
assessmentsCC: "We saw you looking at Regulus there; we didn't realize you were looking at the Earth instead."
quotes
  • "And I'll just confirm that the - that disturbance over the So - Solomon Islands is an awfully tightly wound little storm system." | LMP
  • "Ron's been looking for the booster. And he called me down and asked me to look at the Earth. He's been holding out on me." | LMP
  • "Pass the torch of weather forecasting to Ron." | LMP
  • "Hey, Bob. We got two of those flashers out there. They could be SLA panels. I don't know. They're alike in intensity and pretty regular in the - in the intensity, bright and dim flashes they come out with, and they're widely separated." | CDR
redactionsCDR observation highlighted in yellow regarding multiple flashing objects

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doc_typetranscript
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 47/15) containing weather analysis discussion regarding Hawaii region, cyclonic circulation, and meteorological observations.
people
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control, Roger
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | Jack | astronaut
locations
  • Hawaii | Earth observation area
  • Hawaiian Islands | Earth location
  • Japan | Earth reference location
  • Solomon Islands | Earth location
observations
  • LMP weather analysis: "I was going to say, using your terminator time as a partial - mark for where Hawaii ought to be. Hawaii ought to be, it looks like that cyclonic circulation at the north end of the cloud bank I described, approaching that area, would be just about on the Hava - Hawaiian Islands. I'm curious if they're getting some weather down there now."
  • LMP: "Also, that major front we talked about last night as being east and south of Japan has progressed even farther and is, oh, maybe 20 degrees longi- tude - about 20 degrees longitude from the Hawaiian islands. And I'm making some guesses on exactly where Hawaii is."
  • LMP: "Okay, ... a little bit. The - our zero-phase point is now centered just a little south of the disturbance near the Solomon Islands. And I see no distinct change in the intensity of that zero-phase point over what I had talked about a couple hours ago."
references
  • Surface terms analysis chart | documentation
  • Hawaii surface analysis | weather data
  • Terminator time | astronomical reference
  • Cloud bank | meteorological feature
  • Major front | weather system
  • Zero-phase point | astronomical/optical reference
  • Hickem sequence report | weather documentation
assessmentsCC: "Roger, Jack. We've got nothing adverse in the Hawaiian area at all. Just a lot of winds, high winds and surface winds and surface roughness, but we don't have any bad cloud area in the Hawaiian area."
quotes
  • "Yes, Bob, what is your - analysis chart, if you have it - surface terms analysis chart show for Hawaii today?" | LMP
  • "I was going to say, using your terminator time as a partial - mark for where Hawaii ought to be. Hawaii ought to be, it looks like that cyclonic circulation at the north end of the cloud bank I described, approaching that area, would be just about on the Hava - Hawaiian Islands." | LMP
  • "Also, that major front we talked about last night as being east and south of Japan has progressed even farther and is, oh, maybe 20 degrees longitude from the Hawaiian islands." | LMP

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statushas_content
doc_typetranscript
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 47/16) final page containing weather observations of Solomon Islands, Vietnam, and Australia regions, concluding with "END OF TAPE" notation.
datesMission elapsed time references: 02 21 04 23, 02 21 05 34, 02 21 07 05
people
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control, Roger
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | Jack | astronaut
locations
  • Solomon Islands | Earth observation area
  • Vietnam | Earth location
  • Australia | Earth location
  • Hickam | weather reporting station
  • Hilo | weather reporting station
observations
  • Solomon Islands: "The Solomon Islands disturbance and everything is confirmed on this chart that I've got. It's very definitely confirmed in there."
  • LMP: "Okay. Well, it's a lot more obvious today than it was yesterday; but even then it was showing pretty strong circulation. It is starting to wrap up, look very much like Therese did yesterday."
  • Vietnam region: "The one right off of Vietnam is also pretty tight, isn't it still?"
  • Australia: "Australia in general is still very clear except in the northeastern portions where it looks like they have got scattered clouds; but it looks like a pretty night - over Australia."
  • Weather sequence reports: "Jack, in looking at the sequence reports for Hickam and Hilo and that area, it looks like they just got their standard 3500 scattered, 4500 broken clouds, maybe a rain shower or two. But just their standard tropical fluffy clouds."
references
  • Chart | weather analysis documentation
  • Vietnam weather system | meteorological reference
  • Satellite photo | remote sensing reference
  • Hickam and Hilo sequence reports | weather documentation
  • Tropical fluffy clouds | cloud classification
quotes
  • "The Solomon Islands disturbance and everything is confirmed on this chart that I've got. It's very definitely confirmed in there." | CC
  • "Well, it's a lot more obvious today than it was yesterday; but even then it was showing pretty strong circulation. It is starting to wrap up, look very much like Therese did yesterday." | LMP
  • "I'm sure of that. The one right off of Vietnam is also pretty tight, isn't it still?" | CC
  • "Australia in general is still very clear except in the northeastern portions where it looks like they have got scattered clouds; but it looks like a pretty night - over Australia." | LMP
  • "Jack, in looking at the sequence reports for Hickam and Hilo and that area, it looks like they just got their standard 3500 scattered, 4500 broken clouds, maybe a rain shower or two." | CC
redactions"END OF TAPE" | notation indicating conclusion of recorded transcript

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statushas_content
doc_typetranscript
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 59/19) containing lunar observations of mare regions, Grimaldi crater area, and discussion of basalt flows and lunar geology, marked as "END OF TAPE".
datesMission elapsed time: 03 15 33 25
people
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | astronaut
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control, Roger
locations
  • Oceanus Procellarum | lunar region
  • Window 3 | spacecraft viewing location
  • Northwest | directional reference
  • Grimaldi | lunar crater
  • Highlands | lunar terrain feature
  • Moon | celestial body
  • Tsiolkovsky | lunar crater (reference)
observations
  • Lunar mare observations: "Still looking at Oceanus Procellarum. And now, out window 3, up to the northwest, Grimaldi is starting to show up - a very obvious dark area within the highlands of that part of the Moon - and one of the darkest mare regions that we have seen on the - on the Moon. It's comparable, at least in the photographs, to that of Tsiolkovsky."
  • LMP geological assessment: "Normally, of course, we think of the dark mare as being the younger basalt flows that - on the Moon, but in our case, of course, young means something on the order of 3 billion years or older."
references
  • Oceanus Procellarum | lunar mare
  • Grimaldi | lunar crater
  • Tsiolkovsky | lunar crater
  • Dark mare regions | lunar geological feature
  • Basalt flows | geological formation
assessmentsLMP describes dark mare as younger basalt flows, noting geological ages in billions of years
quotes
  • "Still looking at Oceanus Procellarum. And now, out window 3, up to the northwest, Grimaldi is starting to show up - a very obvious dark area within the highlands of that part of the Moon - and one of the darkest mare regions that we have seen on the - on the Moon. It's comparable, at least in the photographs, to that of Tsiolkovsky." | LMP
  • "Normally, of course, we think of the dark mare as being the younger basalt flows that - on the Moon, but in our case, of course, young means something on the order of 3 billion years or older." | LMP
redactions"END OF TAPE" | notation indicating conclusion of recorded segment

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statushas_content
doc_typetranscript
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionApollo 17 air-to-ground voice transcription (Tape 60/1) containing detailed lunar observations of Procellarum region, horseshoe crater features, and GDC instrumentation readings.
datesMission elapsed time references: 03 15 33 44, 03 15 35 50, 03 15 36 35
people
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control, Roger
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | astronaut
  • CDR (Commander) | Gordo | astronaut
locations
  • Procellarum | lunar mare
  • Highlands | lunar terrain feature
  • West/Northwest | directional references
  • Rima Gamma | lunar feature
  • Horseshoe | crater formation (oval track reference)
  • Earth | reference point
  • Moon | celestial body
  • Mare Marginis | lunar region
  • Mare Crisium | lunar region
  • Grimaldi | lunar crater
observations
  • LMP detailed observation: "Amazing how far over - now the highlands to the west of Procellarum are - still are bright, and the contrast between fresh craters and the normal highland are very - are very obvious still in earthlight, particularly along the zero phase point with respect to the Earth. Rima Gamma now is - is coming a little bit closer to our oval track in the horseshoe in the - larger and more western end of it; the dark horseshoe is quite clear in this light. It's a west - or northwest-pointing horseshoe, as is the complete trend of that strange feature."
  • LMP notes opportunity for observation: "Ron is going to have an excellent chance to study these light-colored swirls within the mare and other parts of the Moon."
  • CDR (Gordo) reports GDC observation: "Say, Gordo, something I just noticed here in working with the GDC what-have-you. I - looked at the Pc gage, and in the Pc - Pc position, there is a continuous bias on it now of about, oh, 7 percent, and if I switch to ALPHA, it goes to zero. We never saw that bias before this last burn."
  • LMP continuation: "Hey, Gordy, I'm looking right up the western edge of the Procellarum mare where it contacts the - the - the high - western highlands of the Moon, and we're just about to fly a little bit south of Grimaldi. That edge is very irregular. There is no obvious indications that it - there are large basins that have been flooded by mare that have formed that edge, but, again, the topographic distinctions possible in this lighter small."
references
  • Pc gage | spacecraft instrument
  • Pc position | gauge setting
  • ALPHA mode | spacecraft system
  • GDC | guidance and control system
  • Zero phase point | astronomical reference
  • Mare features | lunar geological formations
assessmentsLMP: "I think Ron is going to have an excellent chance to study these light-colored swirls within the mare and other parts of the Moon."
quotes
  • "For our interp - If we can extrapolate from the samples returned by other missions." | LMP
  • "Amazing how far over - now the highlands to the west of Procellarum are - still are bright, and the contrast between fresh craters and the normal highland are very - are very obvious still in earthlight" | LMP
  • "Say, Gordo, something I just noticed here in working with the GDC what-have-you. I - looked at the Pc gage, and in the Pc - Pc position, there is a continuous bias on it now of about, oh, 7 percent, and if I switch to ALPHA, it goes to zero." | CDR
  • "Hey, Gordy, I'm looking right up the western edge of the Procellarum mare where it contacts the high - western highlands of the Moon" | LMP

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statushas_content
doc_typetranscript
classificationnone visible
page_descriptionApollo 17 transcript (Tape 60/2) containing detailed lunar observations including report of bright flash on lunar surface north of Grimaldi, with geological descriptions of crater features and mare regions.
datesMission elapsed time references: 03 15 38 09, 03 15 39 46
people
  • LMP (Lunar Module Pilot) | astronaut
  • CC (Capcom) | mission control, Roger, Oh yes
  • CDR (Commander) | Gordy | astronaut
locations
  • Mare Procellarum | lunar mare
  • Grimaldi | lunar crater
  • Highlands | lunar terrain feature
  • North of Grimaldi | location of observation
  • Orientale | lunar feature
  • Lunar surface | observation area
observations
  • LMP describes crater features: "That's the small craters. There, in the Mare Procellarum closest to Grimaldi, there are two arcuate rilles. Look like they are probably V-shaped in their cross section. I'm sure we've seen those on the photographs much better than I can see them here. Those - the rille patterns, though, do seem to project over into the highlands."
  • BRIGHT FLASH OBSERVATION: "Hey, I just saw a flash on the lunar surface!"
  • LMP detailed flash report: "It was just out there north of Grimaldi. Just north of Grimaldi. You might see if you got anything on your seismometers, although a small impact probably would give a fair amount of visible light."
  • LMP further description: "It was a bright little flash right out there near that crater. See the crater right at the edge of Grimaldi. Then there is another one north of it. Pretty sharp one north of it is where there was just a thin streak of light."
  • LMP geological observation: "Gordy, to the north of Grimaldi there is a large basin that is about the same size but only incompletely filled with mare in its northeastern quadrant. The rest of it looks like a fairly irregular and hummocky floor material of some kind."
  • LMP survey plan: "I keep looking occasionally for - yes, we will. I - I was planning on looking for those kind of things. Starting to see the edge of Orientale, pretty. Way off to the west. Hey, just yell, Gene, anytime you - -"
references
  • Grimaldi crater | lunar feature
  • Arcuate rilles | lunar geological feature
  • Orientale | lunar feature
  • Seismometers | scientific instruments
  • Mare features | lunar geological formation
  • Basin formations | lunar topography
assessments
  • CC: "Okay. We'll check." (in response to flash observation and seismometer data request)
  • CC: "How about putting an X on the map where you saw it." (requesting location marking for flash observation)
quotes
  • "That's the small craters. There, in the Mare Procellarum closest to Grimaldi, there are two arcuate rilles. Look like they are probably V-shaped in their cross section." | LMP
  • "Hey, I just saw a flash on the lunar surface!" | LMP
  • "It was just out there north of Grimaldi. Just north of Grimaldi. You might see if you got anything on your seismometers, although a small impact probably would give a fair amount of visible light." | LMP
  • "It was a bright little flash right out there near that crater. See the crater right at the edge of Grimaldi. Then there is another one north of it. Pretty sharp one north of it is where there was just a thin streak of light." | LMP
  • "Gordy, to the north of Grimaldi there is a large basin that is about the same size but only incompletely filled with mare in its northeastern quadrant." | LMP
redactionsMultiple sections highlighted in yellow for key observations including flash observation and geological descriptions
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