The Man on the Moon

This lecture is live at the observatory and available online via Zoom. You are encouraged to come to the observatory to meet Ray and join in our always lively Q&A after his talk. Later, if the weather cooperates, we offer tours and viewing opportunities through the big telescopes.

Ray Garner III, a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, will present live at the Martz-Kohl Observatory a talk entitled “The Man on the Moon.” Over fifty years ago, America became the first (and so far, only) nation to put a man on the Moon. That momentous event is one for the ages and was watched by millions of people worldwide. What is less remembered are all the smaller steps required to get to the Moon. This talk will take you through that journey, starting from the founding of the National Air and Space Administration (NASA), through the succeeding Apollo missions, to the perilous voyage of our heroes Buzz Aldrin, Michael Collins, and Neil Armstrong, to and from the Moon. 

Born in Las Vegas, Nevada and raised in Conyers, Georgia, Ray Garner has spent his whole life wondering about the Universe. After getting his B.S. in Physics from Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, Ray went directly on to graduate school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Astronomy. His thesis work involves observing and analyzing data on the Pinwheel Galaxy (M101) to understand its chemical and dynamical evolution.

Since 2017, Ray has been a volunteer with the NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors group, spreading the word about NASA’s solar system science endeavors. As such, Ray has given numerous public talks around the country. Says Ray, “I have always been interested in the history of astronomy, learning how we know what we know and who did the discovering. It helps me appreciate my own work, knowing that I am only standing on the shoulders of others who have come before me.” Outside of his astronomical studies, Ray enjoys reading, playing video games, and taking pictures of the beauty of nature.

Zoom Meeting

A non-member donation of $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for students is appreciated but not required for presentations and events.  You can donate on our donation page. Thanks!

Time: July 20, 2022 7:30 PM Eastern Time
Meeting ID:  814 3050 5522
Passcode: Apollo

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Meeting ID:  814 3050 5522
Passcode: 444081

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