Who was the most recent person on the moon? The answer to this question brings us back to December 1972, when the last human footprints were left on the lunar surface. Apollo 17, the sixth and final mission of NASA’s Apollo program, marked the end of manned lunar exploration. The crew of Apollo 17 included Commander Eugene Cernan and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt. It was Cernan who became the most recent person to walk on the moon, leaving his mark on history as he and Schmitt conducted their historic lunar surface mission.
The Apollo 17 mission was significant for several reasons. It was the longest and the furthest from Earth of all the Apollo missions, and it was the only one to land in the Taurus-Littrow valley, a region of the moon that offered a wealth of scientific data. Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the moon, collecting samples, conducting experiments, and taking photographs. Their efforts provided invaluable information about the moon’s geology, atmosphere, and potential for future exploration.
Eugene Cernan’s journey to the moon was the culmination of a lifetime of dedication to space exploration. Born on March 14, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, Cernan was fascinated by space from a young age. He joined the Navy and later attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. His passion for space led him to become an astronaut, and he was selected for NASA’s astronaut program in 1963.
Cernan’s first space mission was Apollo 10, where he served as the lunar module pilot. The mission was a dress rehearsal for the lunar landing, and it provided valuable experience for the crew. On Apollo 17, Cernan’s role was that of commander, making him the last person to walk on the moon. His words upon stepping onto the lunar surface, “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind,” have become iconic, symbolizing the triumph of human achievement.
After Apollo 17, Cernan returned to Earth and continued his career in the Navy, eventually rising to the rank of rear admiral. He also worked as an engineer and consultant in the aerospace industry. In 2019, Cernan passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy of bravery, dedication, and the indelible mark of his presence on the moon.
The most recent person on the moon, Eugene Cernan, has inspired generations to dream of space exploration. As humanity looks towards the future, the spirit of Apollo 17 and the achievements of Cernan and Schmitt continue to serve as a reminder of what we can accomplish when we dare to reach for the stars.
