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New Images Show Armstrong After Gemini VIII Emergency

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:00:38 GMT

By: Logan Rex | March 22, 2026 (4-minute read)

Wapakoneta, OH — In March 1966, only hours after surviving one of the most dangerous inflight emergencies of the early space program, NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong and David Scott stepped off of the USS Leonard F. Mason and onto the docks of Naha Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. Instead of distressed, the astronauts were seen relaxed, smiling, and waving to a small crowd that had gathered to welcome them. No visible trace of their narrow escape from catastrophe. Now, six decades later, a new series of photographs taken in those telling moments are being seen publicly for the first time.

The previously unpublished images were given to the Armstrong Air & Space Museum as part of the Gemini VIII 60th anniversary. The images were captured by Ron McQueeney, a military police officer tasked with escorting the astronauts and spacecraft around the island. The photographs capture key moments including the astronauts disembarking the ship, waving to well-wishers, as well as the capsule and the other escorting military personnel.

A mission that nearly ended in disaster

Launched on March 16, 1966, Gemini VIII was intended to be NASA's first full spectrum mission, including a spacewalk, precision landing, orbital rendezvous, and the world's first docking of two craft in space, a crucial step towards a lunar landing mission. Armstrong and Scott, both on their first space mission, were successful on the rendezvous and docking. But triumph quickly turned into crisis. A malfunctioning thruster on the Gemini caused the spacecraft to begin an uncontrolled spin. With the source of the roll unknown to the astronauts, the pair decided to undock, a decision that caused the roll rate to increase to one revolution per second. The astronauts only had several minutes before they would lose consciousness and perish.

Armstrong, known for h is calm demeanor in high pressure situations, quickly diagnosed the problem. He shut down the spacecraft's primary control system and activated the reentry thrusters, equipment intended only for returning through Earth's atmosphere. The maneuver worked but forced the astronauts to abort the rest of the mission. The three-day flight was reduced to 11 hours and an emergency splashdown. The astronauts, however, were alive.

Recovery and journey to Okinawa

The crew was originally scheduled to splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean, close to the Caribbean. Because of their early reentry, the astronauts splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, about 500 miles east of Okinawa, Japan. The capsule was spotted by recovery pilot Les Schneider and US Air Force Pararescuemen were deployed from an old World War II DC-4. The crew and capsule were brought aboard the USS Leonard F. Mason , a destroyer stationed in the area in case of an emergency landing.

Because the astronauts were expected to land in the Atlantic, media presence in Okinawa was minimal. Emergency splashdowns had never occurred during a space mission, and many personnel at Naha Air Base had little time to prepare for the arrival. It was this unexpected moment that Ron McQueeney was able to document. Assigned to escort Neil Armstrong, David Scott, and the Gemini capsule during their transit across Okinawa, the amateur photographer captured a series of images showing the astronauts in their first moments back on land.

A closer look at the images

When Neil Armstrong was pulled from the Pacific by the USS Leonard F. Mason , it was more than just a routine rescue; it was a brush with home. The Korean War destroyer was named after Medal of Honor recipient Leonard Foster Mason, a native of Lima, Ohio. In a twist of fate, Mason’s mother was a close personal friend of Armstrong’s mother, Viola.

While the photos capture the triumph of the return, the reality on the water was grueling. Accounts of the splashdown describe heavy, choppy seas that battered the capsule. The conditions were so severe that both the astronauts and the Air Force Pararescuemen reported suffering from intense seasickness. Despite the physical toll, the atmosphere shifted once the crew reached Okinawa; the images show a pair of men clearly thrilled to be alive.

Looking at the crowd of people, many of the faces were service members stationed on the island. After the emergency, any reporter stationed in the Pacific attempted to make their way to Okinawa for the arrival. Major media outlets either made it days later to interview personnel close to the mission or they waited and hopped on a flight to Honolulu, the final Pacific stop for the astronauts before heading back to Houston.

A photographer's legacy

For decades, the images remained tucked away in McQueeney's personal collection, a small reminder of his brush with space history. After his military service, Ron became a professional photographer, spending more than 50 years at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "Ron's photographs offer such a unique perspective on such a rare moment," says Dante Centuori, executive director of the Armstrong Air & Space Museum. "They offer a human perspective on a moment that truly tested Neil Armstrong and David Scott's composure and skill. With the lack of immediate press coverage on the scene, this really does add some great context to a part of the mission that is seldom discussed."

Unfortunately, Ron McQueeney passed away in July of 2025, during the donation process. Knowing the importance of the photographs, Ron's wife graciously picked up where he had left off and finished the donation process with the Ohio History Connection, helping preserve the photos for future generations. These photographs are shown and preserved with his memory and story.

THE PHOTOGRAPHS:

CREDIT: Ron McQueeney/ Ohio History Connection

Interview: Gemini VIII Recovery Pilot

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:30:40 GMT

By: Logan Rex | March 16, 2026 (6 minute read)

Wapakoneta, OH — For the sixtieth anniversary of the Gemini VIII mission, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum sat down with Gemini VIII recovery pilot Les Schneider to get his perspective on that eventful day in the Pacific Ocean and to learn more about the mission after splashdown.

Q: When joining the US Air Force, did you ever imagine that your path would intersect with a NASA space mission recovery?

Schneider: "No. That was probably the farthest thing from my mind. I was a 17-year-old entering the Air Force Academy and it was actually only going to the Air Force Academy that I ended up flying. So, it took awhile to make up my mind exactly where I was going once I graduated from the academy, but flying was a logical choice. Sounded pretty exciting. But, no, I never actually considered anything relative to the space program, no."

Q: What were your initial thoughts and reactions to learning about the emergency splashdown for Gemini VIII?

Schneider: "Well that's an interesting question because I was sitting in an alert shack on Okinawa, Naha Air Base, standing by in case of an emergency and we had no information at all that the emergency was ongoing. It was a shock when we got launched because nothing had happened in the space program up to this point and we didn't expect anything. So I wasn't aware of what was going on, we were preparing our aircraft, getting ready to standby, which we did at 7 o'clock in the morning that day. But, the emergency was actually ongoing while we were getting ready to standby. So, we didn't really know anything about the emergency... and then we got launched."

Q: Base on your previous training for an emergency scenario, do you think your recovery of the crew and craft went as planned? Did anything unexpected occur?

Schneider: "Well let's start with the recovery wasn't planned, nobody expected this to happen. In all honesty, I was a bit of a neophyte in the rescue business. I had only been in rescue for five months when this happened. I'd had only the basic training in this type of recovery. So, a lot of the recovery was basically seat of the pants. It certainly went well, but, it... it had to be seat of the pants at the time because nothing like this had ever happened before; no rescue or recovery like this had ever been done before. So, even though I was prepared as far as the basics of dropping the Pararescuemen for example, the recovery itself was moment by moment, I had to improvise a lot of what I did. Fortunately, for everyone concerned, it worked out well."

Q: Did you fully understand the extent of the emergency in space when recovering the astronauts? If not, when did you learn about the full story of the emergency?

Schneider: "Well the first part of the question, no I didn't understand the nature of the emergency when we got launched. In fact, none of us on my crew really thought it was a legitimate launch, we thought it was just a practice. But, all of a sudden, we're en route to a splashdown point and we're getting all the information about splashdown times and location. Well, it finally sunk in that this was for real. So, no we didn't understand what had happened, we didn't understand the extent of it, but we realized all of a sudden, that this was the real deal. And we were going to try to locate and recover Gemini VIII.

It was days after, it was after we had returned, the mission was complete, we were back at Naha Air Base. We were in our quarters and eventually reporters came to interview us as a crew. It was during this whole process that we were exposed to the details of the emergency. So it was days after the fact that we actually learned about it."

Q: What are some misconceptions about the mission or your recovery that you have heard and would like to set straight?

Schneider: "Well, yes. Over the years, the biggest misconception is that I was flying a helicopter. I was flying a four engine, old WWII, fixed-wing airplane. And I know a lot of people have a hard time understanding how you can recover a capsule floating in the ocean with a fixed-wing airplane, you know. So, the biggest misconception was that we were a helicopter. That's persisted over the years, I've even seen in recent months and weeks references to a helicopter recovery. There were no helicopters there; there were none available. We were, the landing place, the contingency landing, was too far out at sea for a helicopter at that particular time.

The other misconceptions were, that there were Navy frogmen that jumped to it. Well, they were Air Force Pararescuemen. Right, not Navy frogmen, however, much respect I have for those guys. But, that's another thing, the news media, in their attempt to cover all this, made a lot of mistakes along the way. Just honest mistakes. They even got my name wrong a lot of times. It was sort of amusing to read some of the accounts of this. But, that's one of the reasons I speak frequently about Gemini VIII, try to set the story straight."

Q: Neil invited you to the Apollo 11 launch. When watching, did you have any worries about the mission and did you think they would be successful?

Schneider: "No. That never even occurred to me. Gemini VIII was one unique emergency. After that, the program continued unabated with no additional [inflight] emergencies. It was very smooth from there on. I had full confidence, of course, in Neil, as a pilot and as an astronaut. I was confident that they were ready."

Q: Looking back now, how important do you think Gemini VIII was for paving the way to landing on the Moon three years later?

Schneider: "Crucial, in a lot of different ways. Number one, the docking maneuver that they accomplished successfully, before the emergency in space, was essential to getting us to the Moon. There were many docking maneuvers that had to occur, going and coming back from the Moon. So, the docking maneuver was critical. So they showed that that could be done and it was done well.

The fact that Neil was able to get that spacecraft under control under those dire circumstances was amazing. If Gemini VIII hadn't been successful, either the recovery in space or the recovery at sea, either one of those could have stopped the whole progress of the space program. And, I seriously doubt that it would have progressed fast enough after that. It would have stalled out, and we would not have made Kennedy's hope, plan, and desire that we would have made it to the Moon in that decade. I don't think it would have happened."

Q: Based on what you've seen and your correspondence with Armstrong, what do you think about Neil's overall character as a person and astronaut?

Schneider: "Oh my. There was no better man and no better pilot than Neil Armstrong. He was humble, incredibly capable, simple in his way. He was dedicated, professional, and I got to admit, he wasn't the friendliest person. Our relationship was, you know, a professional occurrence, an event that sort of tied us together. I would have never called us friends. But he was always so cordial, pleasant, whenever I spoke to him, when I met him.

He was a unique pilot, if you go back through all his history, the things he did. The emergencies, even when he was practicing the LM, and the LM went out of control and he managed to get out of that LM before disaster happened and it crashed. The thing like this is his speed of reaction, he was just such a talented individual. And so like I said earlier, very humble. Didn't want publicity. Didn't want anything for himself, really. He was dedicated to doing what was needed of him, what he was called upon to do. Very, terribly unique and I think probably the best choice for that first man on the Moon."

Q: What do you want people to take away from the lessons learned on Gemini VIII, especially in regard to our planned return to the Moon for the Artemis program?

Schneider: "That's a rather large question. Preparedness for any eventuality. Our technology today is so far beyond what it was with Gemini, it's even amazing to think of where the technology was when they managed to do the Gemini VIII program and up leading to the Moon. Our technology is incredible today. Nevertheless, you can never assume. Never assume it's all going to go right, that everything is going to work right. You're going to have backup plans, you're going to have to have... the awareness that not everything is going to go right. At all. And there could be some significant problems down the road. Hopefully, we'll overcome anything that comes along. We certainly got the dedication and the motivation to reach that goal. I think we will."

Q: What has been your favorite aircraft to fly?

Schneider: "Just like the Gemini VIII recovery was a unique moment in my life. Flying that old World War II type DC-4 has a special place in my heart. I had never flown anything reciprocating before they put me in this on Guam those five months before Gemini VIII. I had never flown a reciprocating airplane, ever. I had always flown jets and prop jets, so it was unique. You know you think in the history of aviation, going back to the early days, the pilots, the type of airplane they had to fly, I sort of made a connection with that era, flying that DC-4. I only flew it for eight months actually, total. That connected me with the earlier history of aviation. So for that reason, it's always going to be the number one place in my heart as far as aviation is concerned."

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to add to the interview?

Schneider: "Only one thing. For whatever reason, because the type of man [Neil] was, because of our unique rendezvous. Matter of fact, in one letter he sent me, he called the Gemini VIII recovery the most unique rendezvous in history of aviation. Between a Gemini VIII capsule and an old relic of an old World War II airplane, you know. I kept in touch with him, over many years. When he passed away... I felt it deeply. He was a unique man, he was an incredible pilot, astronaut, a human being. It was a great loss; he was gone too early. I will always feel that deep connection with him, with the space program in general, and I am happy to have been involved in it."

[Interview was conducted March 16, 2026 at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, Ohio, by Logan Rex]

Judith Resnik: A Trailblazing Legacy

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 17:06:12 GMT

By: Logan Rex | January 28, 2026 (4-minute read)

Wapakoneta, OH — This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Challenger disaster, a day that claimed the lives of seven American astronauts, including Ohioan Judith Resnik. For many, her name is perpetually linked to that tragic January morning on the cape. But to remember Resnik only through the lens of loss is a true disservice to the extraordinary life that came before it. Her legacy is not simply one of tragedy, it is the enduring impact of a pioneering scientist, astronaut, and role model whose influence continues to reach far beyond the launchpad.

A childhood of early excellence

Judith Arlene was born on April 5, 1949 in Akron, Ohio, to Dr. Marvin Resnik, an optometrist, and Sarah Polensky, a legal secretary. Resnik was raised in a proud Jewish household, her paternal grandfather being a Ukrainian rabbi. Judith grew up in an environment that valued education, discipline, and curiosity. From a young age, her talents were unmistakable. She demonstrated a exceptional intelligence, a deep love of learning, and a remarkable musical ability in the piano. Resnik was so talented, she even briefly considered a career as a professional pianist.

As early as kindergarten, her teachers quickly recognized her extraordinary abilities. Her academic performance set her apart from her peers. In high school, she achieved the rare distinction of earning a perfect score on the SAT, making her only the 16th woman in the nation to achieve such a milestone. It was an early sign of the remarkable path ahead.

The making of an engineer

Resnik began her college education at Carnegie Mellon University (then the Carnegie Institute of Technology), initially studying mathematics. It was while attending a lecture series that she discovered her true passion for electrical engineering. The field offered the challenge, complexity, and diverse opportunity she craved. She earned her bachelor's degree in the field and went to work at the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), working with her then-husband, Michael Oldak, gaining hands-on experience in advanced engineering.

After moving to Virginia, Resnik enrolled in graduate school at the University of Maryland, where she pursued a Ph.D. in electrical engineering. Her academic career intersected with groundbreaking research when she earned a fellowship in biomedical engineering at the National Institutes of Health, working in the Laboratory of Neurophysiology. There she contributed to vision science research, an area closely connected to her father's profession, studying electrical stimulation in the retina.

In 1977, she earned her doctorate with a dissertation on the bleaching kinetics of visual pigments, a highly advanced study of visual response and retinal stimulation. By her late twenties, Resnik had established herself as a formidable scientist and engineer, having a great background in research and study.

NASA's first female astronauts

In July 1976, NASA announced a historic shift, allowing women and minorities would be accepted into the upcoming astronaut class for the first time. The decision marked a turning point for the agency and for American spaceflight. Encouraged to apply, Resnik began preparing for one of the most competitive selection processes in the world. To strengthen her application, she earned her pilot’s license in 1977, scoring near-perfect marks on her flight examinations. Her academic credentials, research background, and technical mastery already set her apart, but she understood that excellence at NASA required both precision and adaptability.

From a pool of more than 8,000 applicants, Judith Resnik was selected as one of six women in Astronaut Group 8. The achievement placed her at the center of a historic transformation in the space program. Her selection wasn’t a symbolic gesture, but a corrective move to ensure NASA recruited from the broadest possible talent pool, regardless of gender or ethnicity.

Another Ohio trailblazer in space

Once accepted into NASA’s astronaut program, Judith Resnik quickly became a vital force behind the scenes of America’s space shuttle era. She immersed herself in complex research on orbital systems, contributed to flight software development, and played a key role in the design and operation of the Remote Manipulator System, the shuttle’s robotic arm that would become essential to modern space missions. Her technical expertise, discipline, and precision earned deep respect within the astronaut corps.

When early crew selections began, Resnik was widely regarded as a leading candidate to become the first American woman in space. Ultimately, NASA selected Sally Ride for that historic milestone, a decision shaped by public-facing considerations. The agency wanted someone prepared for intensive media appearances, interviews, and public campaigns. Resnik, deeply committed to the science and engineering of spaceflight, was less drawn to that role, preferring the work of exploration itself over the spotlight.

Her moment came in 1984, when she flew aboard STS-41-D, becoming the fourth woman in space, the second American woman, and the first Jewish-American astronaut to leave Earth’s atmosphere. Serving as a mission specialist, Resnik operated the shuttle’s robotic arm, technology she had helped develop, demonstrating the seamless fusion of her engineering mind and astronaut training. The mission successfully deployed multiple satellites into orbit, and after six days in space, the crew returned safely to Earth, landing at Edwards Air Force Base in California. It was a mission that confirmed Resnik’s place not only in history, but in the operational heart of human spaceflight.

A legacy that lives on

Judith Resnik lost her life on January 28, 1986 , alongside her six fellow crew members aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger . The crew was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery , and Resnik was posthumously awarded both the NASA Space Flight Medal and the Congressional Space Medal of Honor, the highest honor bestowed upon an American astronaut.

Her legacy continues across the country and beyond Earth itself. Schools, buildings, and institutions bear her name, including Judith A. Resnik Elementary School in Gaithersburg, Maryland, the Judith A. Resnik Community Learning Center in Akron, Ohio, Judith A. Resnik Middle School in San Antonio, Texas, and a residence hall at Carnegie Mellon University. In space, her name was given to a crater on the Moon, a crater on Venus, and the asteroid 3356 Resnik.

Judith Resnik’s legacy is not defined by tragedy alone. It lives in science labs, classrooms, launchpads, and in every young person who dares to defy gravity and slip the surly bonds of Earth.

Why Do So Many Astronauts Come From Ohio?

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 03:51:23 GMT

By: Logan Rex | December 15, 2025 (5 minute read)

Wapakoneta, OH — When it comes to astronauts, the State of Ohio really does take the prize for having some of the top stars . Pioneering astronauts like John Glenn, Jim Lovell, and Neil Armstrong have all called the Buckeye State their home at some point. Other Ohio shuttle astronauts like Judith Resnik, Greg H. Johnson, and Sunita Williams have all made names for themselves, breaking records and making history. But what about Ohio produces so many astronauts? The explanation lies in a mix of history, culture, opportunity, and... a touch of clever marketing.

Ohio astronauts by the numbers (it's complicated)

First, exactly how many astronauts are considered to be from Ohio? The answer is more complicated than it seems. One challenge is the distinction between an astronaut’s "birthplace" and their "hometown." Some a stronauts list an Ohio town as their hometown although they might not have been born in the state. These astronauts have simply identified an Ohio community as the place they consider home.

Another complication is that some Ohio organizations recognize certain astronauts as 'honorary Ohioans,' or individuals who were neither born nor raised in Ohio but later chose to live there. For example, Guy Bluford, the first African American in space, settled in Ohio following his time as an astronaut. There's also the interesting case of astronaut Kevin Kregel, who was on STS-70, the "All-Ohio" mission. Kregel, a New York-native with no ties to Ohio, was made an "honorary Ohioan" through executive proclamation by then-Ohio Governor George Voinovich for the mission.

A recent challenge in space exploration is the surge of privately funded missions. Companies like Axiom Space, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic have launched numerous flights carrying commercial astronauts and private individuals, with durations ranging from 10 minutes to several weeks. These missions have prompted agencies to reconsider what defines an "astronaut" versus a "spaceflight participant" or "space tourist." In 2022, Ohio real estate developer Larry Connor spent 17 days in space on Axiom-1, the first fully private mission to the International Space Station. Serving as mission pilot and participating in multiple research experiments, Connor met the FAA’s updated criteria for a ‘commercial astronaut.’ Conversely, in May 2025, Ohioan Paul Jeris crossed the Kármán line aboard Blue Origin’s NS-32 mission, but since there was no scientific or public benefit, FAA standards classify him and the crew as space tourists.

All of this considered, the most commonly accepted answer is that 26 astronauts are from Ohio.

Ohio's history as the birthplace of aviation

The first major factor contributing to Ohio's astronaut production is its rich history in aviation. The Buckeye State is widely recognized as the birthplace of modern flight, thanks to Dayton natives Orville and Wilbur Wright, whose early work and experiments in Ohio at Huffman Prairie created the world’s first airfield. But Ohio’s aviation heritage goes far beyond the Wright brothers. Throughout the early 20th century, the state produced a remarkable roster of pioneering pilots who helped shape America’s aviation identity. Frank Lahm of Mansfield became the first U.S. Army officer to fly in an aircraft in 1908 and later earned the distinction of being the first military officer to receive official pilot wings. Eddie Rickenbacker of Columbus emerged as a national hero during World War I, becoming America’s most decorated and successful fighter pilot. These early aviation leaders cemented Ohio’s reputation as a hub for innovation in the sky and laid the cultural foundation that inspired further generations of pilots, engineers, and ultimately, astronauts.

A rich tradition of military service

One common thread among astronauts is military service, a legacy established in the early days of NASA when prerequisites for astronaut candidates heavily favored test pilots, a skill set virtually exclusive to the armed forces. Ohio's contribution to the nation's military legacy is deep-rooted, tracing its heritage all the way back to the Civil War, where it contributed the third-highest number of troops to the Union. Today, the state's service record is evident with it being in the top 10 states for the total number of military veterans. For Ohio astronauts, a wide majority of them have some sort of military background.

Aerospace industrial hub

Ohio has long been a national leader in aerospace research and industrial production, earning a reputation as the manufacturing backbone of the aviation industry. Ohio is the top producer of complex systems and critical components for major aerospace companies like Boeing and Airbus. This legacy is deeply rooted in history. Aviation manufacturing in Ohio traces its roots back to the Wright brothers, who established the world’s first airplane factory in the state.

That culture continues with places like Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, a critical hub of aerospace innovation, research, and logistics. The base is the largest single-site employer in the state, with over 30,000 military and civilian personnel working in critical areas of aerospace defense and research. The state is also home to NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, where cutting-edge research supports NASA’s missions and advances aerospace technology nationwide. The center also manages the Neil A. Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, which is home to the world's largest vacuum chamber. Many of Ohio’s astronauts trained or conducted research at one or both of these facilities during their careers.

A strong emphasis on education

Education is a key component for becoming an astronaut. Luckily, Ohio has a diverse array of universities and colleges with the needed fields, like engineering, physics, and the sciences, that help propel candidates through the NASA ranks. Ohio schools like Baldwin-Wallace College, Case Western Reserve University, Kent State University, Marietta College, Muskingum College, Wright State University, and the Air Force Institute of Technology all have NASA alumni. Those who did not attend Ohio schools did attend other prestigious schools like the US Naval Academy, US Air Force Academy, West Point, and Purdue University, the public school with the most NASA graduates.

Pioneering role models and marketing

While Ohio does have 26 astronauts, people are often quite surprised to learn that this is not the most of any state. New York takes that honor, with over 30 space explorers referring to the Empire State as their home. Ohio doesn't even have the most astronauts per capita, with smaller populations like North Dakota and Washington DC skewing the numbers in their favor. Still, depending on how hometowns are counted, Ohio usually ranks among the top three states. Even if it isn’t number one, Ohio boasts an incredibly iconic roster of astronauts. The state has produced names and missions known around the world: Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon; John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth; Jim Lovell, commander of the legendary Apollo 13 mission; and Sunita Williams, the first astronaut to run a marathon in space. With so many trailblazers hailing from one state, Ohio has earned and maximized its reputation as a true powerhouse of astronauts.

While modern marketing didn't play much of a role in making astronauts, it does help when it comes to promoting the state. Ohio is not shy when it comes to marketing its rich aerospace heritage. In 2002, Ohio proudly placed an astronaut and the Wright Flyer in their state quarter design as part of the 50 State quarter series. This marked the first time an astronaut figure appeared on U.S. circulated coins. Ohio's state tourism office also released the "Ohio Lunar Road Trip" which highlights sites and attractions across the state that promote Ohio's contributions to spaceflight. The Ohio Statehouse also showcases a 9 foot by 12 foot mural of Ohio's most famous astronauts, emphasizing the significance the state has in space history.

Overall, the State of Ohio has a great deal to be proud of when it comes to space exploration. And with the history, heritage, education, and career opportunities, it's only a matter of time before we see a new generation of buckeyes lifting off and reaching for the stars.

7 Times Jim Lovell Showed Resilience

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 20:29:37 GMT

By: Logan Rex | August 14, 2025

Wapakoneta, OH — NASA astronauts have long been celebrated for having the right stuff to face the dangers of space travel. Few embody that spirit more than Captain Jim Lovell. A naval aviator turned astronaut, Lovell demonstrated the confidence, skill, and quick thinking needed to lead missions through both triumph and crisis. Today, his life still stands out. Not just for his historic achievements, but for the fascinating details that make his story uniquely his own.

The sudden and tragic passing of his father

Born on March 25, 1928, in Cleveland, Ohio, Lovell grew up in a humble and hardworking family. His father, James Arthur Lovell Sr., was a furnace salesman from Toronto whose job often moved the family around the Midwest during the Great Depression. Tragedy struck the family on June 21, 1940, when Lovell Sr. was killed in a car accident in Roneys Point, West Virginia. The loss left an undeniable hole in young Lovell's life.

Unable to support them alone, Lovell’s mother, Blanche, took 12-year-old Jim to live with an aunt and cousin in Terre Haute, Indiana. There, scouting became an anchor in his life. In interviews, Lovell shared how the Boy Scouts helped him cope with his father’s death, filling some of the gaps left by the loss. Through hard work, dedication, and another move to Milwaukee, he rose through the ranks to earn his Eagle Scout, the organization’s highest honor.

Being turned down on his first attempt to join the astronaut program.

By 1958, Jim Lovell had established himself as a highly skilled naval pilot with an impressive record. That same year, President Dwight D. Eisenhower created the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which was preparing to send the first Americans into space. Lovell seemed like an ideal candidate for the new astronaut program, he graduated with top marks in his class at the U.S. Naval Academy, had extensive jet flight and test pilot experience, and had been passionate about rocketry since boyhood.

Out of hundreds of applicants, Lovell advanced to the final 32 candidates. Unfortunately, during the medical screening, doctors found elevated bilirubin levels, a possible sign of liver issues. The result regrettably disqualified him from selection. The rejection was a setback, but Lovell returned to his Navy duties, continuing to log flight hours and take on leadership roles. Less than four years later, in 1962, NASA began recruiting again. This time, his medical records raised no concerns, and his résumé was even stronger. Lovell passed the evaluations with ease and was selected for NASA’s second group of astronauts, the “New Nine.”

Enduring two-weeks in space for Gemini VII

Launched in December 1965, Gemini VII was designed as a grueling endurance test for both spacecraft and crew. NASA chose Frank Borman and Jim Lovell to meet the challenge, the two being unofficially nicknamed "guinea pigs." The crew was to orbit Earth for a record-breaking two weeks, studying how extended weightlessness affected the human body, watching for signs of muscle loss, changes in bone density, or any issues with vision, sleep, and circulation. The mission was essential to seeing if lengthy missions to the Moon stretched human anatomy too far.

NASA also wanted to see the how practical it was living in space. With a cramped cabin barely large enough for two men, how easy were every day tasks like eating, working, and waste removal in tight quarters. To top everything off, the astronauts also had new G5C spacesuits, which were deemed extremely uncomfortable, hot, and burdensome. Despite the conditions, the mission was ultimately a major success. The astronauts accomplished over 20 experiments, conducted the world's first rendezvous in space with Gemini 6A, and gave NASA important medical data on long duration missions in space. The mission stood as the longest American mission until Skylab in 1973.

The uncertainty of the Apollo 8 mission

When it comes to historic space missions, Apollo 8 is always near the top. It was humanity's first journey leaving Earth orbit and visiting the Moon. Originally planned as an Earth-orbit test of the lunar module, the mission was abruptly changed when the lunar module fell behind schedule, instead sending the crew on an unexpected flight to the Moon with only months to prepare. Lovell and the crew met the challenge with an amazing amount of grace and adaptability. The new objective meant training with new goals, navigating uncharted space, and learning new protocols.

As the CM pilot, Lovell adapted to the intense pressure with steady focus, mastering complex navigation techniques that would guide the spacecraft around the Moon and back. The mission, which flew around the Moon during Christmas, was a welcomed point of celebration for the nation. The astronauts were met with international cheers and celebration, with all three crew members being named TIME's "Men of the Year."

Solving the large problems of Apollo 13

After the success of Apollo 8, Lovell was put back in the crew rotation for a future Apollo mission, this time, for a chance to walk on the Moon. After some slight rearranging, Lovell found himself as the commander of the Apollo 13 mission, scheduled as the third lunar landing mission. Launching on April 11, 1970, the mission seemed destined for another walk on the Moon. Approximately 56 hours into the mission however, an oxygen tank exploded. Lovell reported back to mission control those famous words, "Houston, we've had a problem."

Lovell’s mission to land on the Moon quickly turned into a desperate attempt for survival. With much of the spacecraft's system damaged, module temperature dropping, and the power supply dwindling, Lovell stayed composed, working side by side with crewmates Jack Swigert and Fred Haise to improvise solutions with mission control. The astronauts worked on a number of issues, overcoming obstacles like eliminating carbon dioxide in the cabin air with makeshift components for the lithium hydroxide canisters. Lovell’s role was vital, but the rescue was a collective triumph, made possible by the combined efforts of the crew, mission control, and the engineers on the ground who turned a near-catastrophe into one of NASA’s finest hours.

Leaving NASA with never walking on the Moon

After the near-disaster of Apollo 13, Jim Lovell never returned to space. The ordeal had deeply shaken his wife, Marilyn, and although he briefly considered requesting another mission, he ultimately chose to remain on the ground. Turning down the chance to walk on the Moon, after coming so close, was a decision that spoke to his character and priorities. Apollo 13 may have ended without a lunar landing, but it achieved something greater: it united the nation and world once again. In some regards, even with the failure of not walking on the Moon, Lovell and the crew still achieved the overall objective of unifying the world behind the mission.

Building a career after being an astronaut

After NASA, Lovell was at a crossroads in his career. The Navy wanted him, NASA would have kept him. For over a decade, Lovell's career had been intertwined with high-stakes situations, constant training and research, and rigid structure. Being in the public sector was a whole uncharted path for him. As one could imagine with his previous experience, Lovell excelled in all routes he came across. He worked for a Houston-based towing business, climbed the corporate ladder in telecommunications, and found success in owning a restaurant as well.

Lovell's 1994 book "Lost Moon" also found great success, with the book being made into the 1995 award-winning movie "Apollo 13" starring Tom Hanks as Lovell. The movie even came with a cameo appearance for Lovell, playing a Navy captain who greeted the fictional Jim Lovell after landing in the Pacific Ocean.

Jim Lovell’s life stands as a true testament to resilience. From overcoming loss and professional setbacks to commanding a crew through one of NASA’s most challenging missions. His bravery, skill, and legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.

JAMES A. LOVELL JR.

(March 25, 1928 — August 7, 2025)

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10 Interesting Facts About Apollo 13

exhibits@armstrongmuseum.org (Logan Rex) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 18:24:51 GMT

By: Logan Rex | April 10, 2025

Wapakoneta, OH — Apollo 13 has long been one of NASA's most dramatic missions. What was supposed to be America's third lunar landing mission quickly turned into a captivating chronicle of ingenuity, teamwork, and perseverance. From iconic phrases to little-known facts about the mission and crew, here are 10 interesting facts that dig a little deeper into NASA's "finest hour."

The crew was originally scheduled for Apollo 14

Originally, the Apollo 13 crew members were in rotation to fly on Apollo 14. Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Bill Anders served as the backup crew to Apollo 11, which put them in the crew rotation as the prime crew for Apollo 14. In early 1969, Bill Anders accepted a position as the executive secretary for the National Aeronautics and Space Council (NASC) and planned on retiring as an astronaut that coming August. Rookie Fred Haise was brought up from the support crew to train alongside Anders in case the mission ran past the August retirement date.

Mercury Seven astronaut Alan Shepard had returned to flight status after surgery for Ménière's disease, an inner ear condition that previously grounded him. Although Shepard was eager to return to space, officials at NASA were apprehensive that he hadn't had enough time to properly train for an Apollo mission. As a result, the crews were swapped, and Lovell and his crew were bumped up to the ill-fated Apollo 13 slot.

Jim Lovell was considered for the Apollo 11 mission

In Neil Armstrong's autobiography, First Man , the Apollo 11 commander described how Deke Slayton approached him on December 23, 1968 and asked about having Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin as his crew. Armstrong felt that the selection was appropriate and that the three worked well together. Slayton then, more directly, asked if he was okay with Aldrin on the crew, with others saying that Aldrin was a difficult partner to work with. Additionally, Slayton said that he would make Lovell available for Apollo 11 if Armstrong felt that this would be a better fit for the mission.

After a day of contemplation, Armstrong went back to Slayton and declined the offer, saying that the selection of Aldrin and Collins was a suitable fit. Armstrong went on to explain that although Lovell would have worked well with the crew, he also worked fine with Aldrin. Armstrong also felt that Lovell deserved to command an Apollo mission as well.

Ken Mattingly never contracted the German Measles

Roughly a week before the launch, backup Lunar Module Pilot Charlie Duke spent time with a family whose 3-year-old son had developed the German Measles, also known as Rubella. Duke had never come into contact with the virus as a child and had no immunity to the illness. Duke ended up contracting the highly-infectious sickness, also coming into contact with the Apollo 13 prime and backup crews. Both Lovell and Haise were immune to the illness, however Command Module Pilot (CMP) Ken Mattingly was not.

The decision was ultimately made to switch Mattingly with CMP backup Jack Swigert, who also had immunity. Dr. Charles Berry, the Head of Medical Research and Operations in Houston advocated for the switch, citing that with the virus incubation time, Mattingly could develop crippling symptoms like fever, rash, pink eye, and joint pain during lunar orbit, affecting his ability to efficiently carry out his Command Module duties.

The great irony is that Mattingly never ended up contracting the disease and was eventually reassigned to the Apollo 16 mission.

The Apollo 13 Mobile Quarantine Facility is still lost

Used for Apollo missions 11-14, the Mobile Quarantine Facility (MQF) was a specially retrofitted Airstream trailer used by NASA to quarantine astronauts after their lunar landing missions. The goal was to prevent any possible "Moon germs" from escaping and infecting the population. The practice was discontinued after Apollo 14, when none of the missions showed any signs of infection. Each of the missions from Apollo 11-14 had an MQF ready for their return, including Apollo 13. Because the mission never landed on the Moon, their MQF (MQF-001) was not used for this purpose.

After the quarantine protocol was dropped, the Mobile Quarantine Facilities were repurposed and sent to other areas for use. However, after decades of use and relocation, the Apollo 13 MQF was lost in the governmental shuffle. Its last known use was by the USDA, decades ago.

The mission is the farthest human beings have traveled in space

While never landing on the Moon, Apollo 13 does hold the distinction of being the farthest mission humans have ever traveled away from Earth. After the explosion, the crew used the Moon's gravity to slingshot them back to Earth, known as the "free-return trajectory." At their farthest point, the crew was approximately 248,655 miles (400,171.4 km) from our planet.

Although this is the furthest humans have traveled from Earth, NASA's Artemis II mission has plans to break this record, traveling to distances of around 280,000 miles (450,616.3 km). The Artemis II mission will be the first time in over fifty years that humans have traveled outside low-Earth orbit.

Jim Lovell makes a cameo in the "Apollo 13" movie

In 1995, director Ron Howard released the Academy Award winning movie "Apollo 13," based on the events of the mission. Jim Lovell served as a technical consultant on the movie and helped actor Tom Hanks prepare for the role as the Apollo 13 commander. Although critics praise Hanks for his adaptation of Lovell, the real life Jim Lovell originally thought that actor Kevin Costner should play the part.

For his work on the movie, Lovell was given a cameo spot. He played a naval captain for the recovery vessel USS Iwo Jima . Production originally requested that Lovell play the ship admiral, but Lovell declined, stating that he was in real life a naval captain and that he would not portray a character of a higher rank, out of respect for his military position. In the ending of the movie, you can see the real-life Jim Lovell welcome Tom Hanks (Jim Lovell) on board the USS Iwo Jima , giving him a congratulatory salute and handshake.

"Apollo 13" was not the first movie made about the mission

While the 1995 adaptation went on to become one of the highest-grossing space films of the 20th century, it was not the first movie about the incident. In 1974, "Houston, We've Got a Problem" was released as a made-for-television drama film. The movie took more focus on the events of Mission Control on the ground rather than the emergency in space. Much of the plot and scenes were fictitious, making many in the space community discredit the movie as too unrefined and cheap. Jim Lovell even is quoted as describing the movie as purely "fictitious and in poor taste."

Hollywood likes to reword phrases from the mission

Some of the most famous phrases related to space come from Apollo 13. Both "Houston, we have a problem" and "Failure is not an option" originated from the mission. However, both of these phrases were crafted and reshaped by Hollywood. Originally, shortly after the oxygen tank explosion, Jack Swigert radioed Mission Control saying "Houston, we've had a problem here." with CAPCOM Jack Lousma asking to repeat. Lovell responded again, saying, "Houston, we've had a problem." The phrase is close, but not good enough for movie dialogue apparently.

Flight Director Gene Kranz is also attributed with saying "failure is not an option," which he never said during the actual emergency. The phrase comes decades later when writers are working with Kranz on dialogue for the movie. Eventually, Kranz was talking about keeping calm and steady in Mission Control and how they calmly explored options and, "failure was not one of them." The writers knew instantly that the phrase was gold, reworking it into the well-known tagline. Kranz liked the line so much he even made it the title of his 2000 autobiography.

Fred Haise developed a urinary tract infection while returning to Earth

After the emergency, water was rationed for the crew for conservation. Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise developed a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) from the rationing and stress from the situation. The infection likely made its way to his kidneys where it spread further. The illness caused him severe flank pain, fever, and lethargy for most of the trip. After the recovery, he was treated with antibiotics and made a full recovery.

Lovell considered asking for another space mission

In interviews, Lovell expressed that he had some interest in going on another mission. In a press conference after the emergency, a reporter asked if he would consider going on another lunar mission. As he was about to answer, he saw his wife, Marilyn, give a confident 'thumbs down' and said that he thought he'd give other astronauts the opportunity. His wife Marilyn had been rightfully traumatized from the near-fatal event and actively supported his retirement from space. To this day, Lovell is the only astronaut to travel to the Moon twice and not land.

Lovell retired from NASA in 1973 and became the CEO of Bay-Houston Towing Company in Houston. He held other commercial positions like president of Fisk Telephone Company and executive vice president for Centel Corporation in Chicago.

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For All Mankind

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 16:45:12 GMT

After their mission to the moon, the Apollo 11 astronauts were not done with their travels. In late September, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins set out on their 45-day Giantstep-Apollo 11 Presidential Goodwill Tour around the world. In total, the astronauts and their wives visited 24 countries and 27 cities.

Just as the world watched Armstrong and Aldrin walk on the moon, people from across the world took part in celebrating that human achievement. One hundred to 150 million people saw the astronauts during their trip. Mary Lynne and Steve Hewlett, newlyweds who travelled to Rio de Janiero on their honeymoon, remember meeting the astronauts during the Goodwill Tour. They recalled the astronauts being humble and grateful. To the Hewletts, the Apollo 11 crew seemed to want to share their experiences with the others. As they did, the astronauts were honored for their achievement with medals and keys to cities.

On October 8, the astronauts arrived in Paris, their eighth stop on the tour. While in Paris, Neil Armstrong and his fellow crew members each received a golden replica of the Apollo 11 Lunar Excursion Module (LEM). Neil Armstrong gave his model to the Ohio History Connection in 1973.

The readers of the newspaper Le Figaro commissioned Cartier to create the LEM replicas for each of the Apollo 11 astronauts. Only three in the world exist. The artists at Cartier who handcrafted the gold replicas included many details in white gold and black lacquer, including forward and overhead hatches; Rendezvous Radar, S-band, EVA and VHF antennas; and docking target. The artists formed and painted tracking and docking lights, four thruster clusters, an egress platform, and a ladder. On one side of the LEM, the red, white, and blue enamel of the American flag shines above the words "UNITED STATES." A corresponding side is engraved with the words, "Les lecteurs du journal / LE FIGARO / a / NEIL ARMSTRONG." A piece of microfilm inside the module lists the names of individuals who contributed in the creation of the "objet d' art."

While in Paris, Neil Armstrong was also presented with several medals. Some of those medals include the De La Vaulx Medal from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale and the Societe de Geographie medal. The Societe de Geographie of Paris, France is one of the oldest geographical societies in the world.

As an Ohio History Connection site, the Armstrong Air & Space Museum houses several medals and keys to cities given to Neil Armstrong during the Goodwill World Tour. We also care for and display commemorative art as seen in our Art & Armstrong exhibit.

International Space Station Facts

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 16:41:52 GMT

Did you know that over 290 people have occupied the International Space Station since the year 2000? The International Space Station has more room than a six-bedroom house and contains two bathrooms, a gym, and a bay window. The Space Station contains a gym because astronauts are required to work out at least two hours a day. The human body will lose muscle and bone mass in zero gravity.

The International Space Station travels at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour and orbits the Earth every 90 minutes. Due to the its rate of travel, those on the International Space Station see 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours. To run the Space Station for a year it takes six crew 365 days which is equivalent to 52,560 crew hours.

Here is a list of other facts you should know about the ISS or the International Space Station from NASA.gov:

Size

The dimensions of the completed ISS research facility are approximately 356 feet (109 meters) by 240 feet (73 meters), or slightly larger than a football field. The ISS has an internal pressurized volume of 32,333 cubic feet and weighs 930,000 pounds (32,333 cubic feet is the equivalent of 7.9 semi-trailers).

How Long Can You Stay?

The ISS missions, called expeditions, usually last about six months. There are six (2 crews of three) crewmembers on board for each expedition.

Use and Eventual Abandonment

NASA uses the station to learn about living and working in space. These lessons will help NASA explore space. NASA will eventually abandon the ISS due to cost around 2030.

How You Can Spot The Station From Your Town

Visit: spotthestation.nasa.gov to find and explore sighting opportunities in your area. The station is only visible at dawn or dusk, when the Earth is dark but the station is illuminated by the sun.

Due to ever changing technology, those aboard the International Space Station are now able to email and call their family and friends while in space, making it just a little easier to be away. While we covered a few of the main facts, there is still much more to be learned about the International Space Station! If you are looking to learn even more be sure to visit NASA’s website for more information: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html or https://www.nasa.gov/feature/iss-facts .

Ohio's Astronauts

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 17:30:29 GMT

OHIO'S ASTRONAUTS

Ohio astronauts have logged countless hours in the air, and have numerous notable achievements. With 26 astronauts in total, NASA has made the dreams comes true of all the featured individuals. With part three of our Ohio Astronauts series, we have finally come to an end and we hope you enjoy all the fun facts from Ohio’s greatest.

Judith A. Resnik
Born: April 5, 1949
Died: January 28, 1986
Birthplace: Akron, Ohio
Astronaut Class: 1978 (TFNG - Thirty-Five New Guys)
Did you know Judith was the second American woman to fly in space?

Ronald M. Sega
Born: December 4, 1952
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio
Astronaut Class: 1990 (The Hairballs)
Did you know Ronald has logged over 4,000 hours of pilot experience and 420 hours in space?

Thomas J. Hennen
Born: August 17, 1952
Birthplace: Albany, Georgia
Selected as Astronaut: 1989
Did you know Tom was the first Warrant Officer to fly in space?

Gregory H. Johnson
Born: May 12, 1962
Birthplace: Fairborn, Ohio
Astronaut Class: 1998 (The Penguins)
Did you know Gregory has logged over 5,000 hours as a pilot in more than 50 different aircraft?

Sunita L. Williams
Born: September 19, 1965
Birthplace: Euclid, Ohio
Astronaut Class: 1998 (The Penguins)
Did you know that Sunita holds the record for total cumulative spacewalk time by a female astronaut?

Mary Ellen Weber
Born: August 24, 1962
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio
Astronaut Class: 1992 (The Hogs)
Did you know Mary has logged over 800 hours flying as a pilot, and has logged 3,500 skydives since 1983?

Carl E. Walz
Born: September 6, 1955
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio
Astronaut Class: 1990 (The Hairballs)
Did you know Carl has logged 5,544 hours in space, which includes more than 18 hours of spacewalks?

Donald A. Thomas
Born: May 6, 1955
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio
Astronaut Class: 1990 (The Hairballs)
Did you know that Donald has logged over 250 hours as a pilot, and has also logged over 1,040 hours in space?

Nancy J. Currie
Born: December 29, 1958
Birthplace: Troy, Ohio
Astronaut Class: 1990 (The Hairballs)
Did you know that Nancy has logged over 4,000 flying hours, and 454 hours in space?

Robert C. Springer
Born: May 21, 1942
Birthplace: Ashland, Ohio
Astronaut Class: 1980 (NASA Group 9)
Did you know that Robert has logged more than 4,500 hours as a pilot, and 237 hours in space?

There is much more to be learned about these Ohio astronauts! What better way to learn about their achievements than to visit us at the Armstrong Air & Space Museum. If you are looking to learn even more be sure to visit NASA’s website for more information: https://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/oastronauts/ .

What Do You Know About the 13 Zodiac Constellations?

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 17:24:50 GMT

Do you know the definition of a constellation?

A constellation is a group of stars forming a recognizable pattern that is traditionally named after its apparent form or identified with a mythological figure. Modern astronomers divide the sky into eighty-eight constellations with defined boundaries.

Did you know there are 88 recognized constellations in the sky?

There are thirteen zodiac constellations out of those 88 which include:

Capricornus

Best month to view: September
Right Ascension: 21.02 hours
Declination: -20 to -23 degrees
Visible: Between latitudes 60 degrees and minus 90 degrees
Did you know that the Capricornus is among the faintest of all the constellations?

Aquarius

Best month to view: October
Right Ascension: 22.71 hours
Declination: -10.19 degrees
Visible: Between 65 degrees and minus 90 degrees
Did you know that the Aquarius is among the oldest of the documented constellations?

Pisces

Best month to view: November between the 6th and 9th
Right Ascension: 0.85 hours
Declination: 11.08 degrees
Visible: Between latitudes 90 degrees and minus 65 degrees.
Did you know that if you live in the Northern Hemisphere it will be easier for you to scope out the Pisces?

Aries

Best month to view: December
Right Ascension: 3 hours
Declination: 20 degrees
Visible: Between latitudes 90 degrees and minus 60 degrees
Did you know that the Aries constellation wasn’t recognized until 1922?

Taurus

Best month to view: January
Right Ascension: 4 hours
Declination: 15 degrees
Visible: Between latitudes 90 degrees and minus 65 degrees
Did you know that the Taurus is the most visible of all the constellations?

Gemini

Best month to view: February
Right ascension: 7 hours
Declination: 20 degrees
Visible: Between latitudes 90 and minus 60 degrees
Did you know that the Gemini is one of the few constellations that actually looks like its name?

Cancer

Best month to view: March
Right ascension: 9 hours
Declination: 20 degrees
Visible: Best seen between latitudes 90 degrees and minus 60 degrees
Did you know that it is almost impossible to see the Cancer constellation with the naked eye?

Leo

Best month to view: April
Right ascension: 11 hours
Declination: 15 degrees
Visible: Between latitudes 90 and minus 65 degrees
Did you know that the Leo constellation is the most recognizable of all the constellations and one of the few that resembles its name?

Virgo

Best month to view: May
Right Ascension: 13 hours
Declination: 0 degrees
Visible: Between latitudes 80 and minus 80 degrees
Did you know that the Virgo constellation is the largest Zodiac constellation and contains 26 known exoplanets?

Libra

Best month to view: June
Right Ascension: 15.21 hours
Declination: -15.59 degrees
Visible: Between 65 degrees and minus 90 degrees
Did you know that the Libra is the only zodiac constellation that represents an inanimate object?

Scorpius

Best month to view: July
Right Ascension: 17 hours
Declination: minus 40 degrees
Visible: Between latitudes 40 and minus 90 degree
Did you know that the Scorpius constellation is one of the brightest in the sky?

Sagittarius

Best month to view: August
Right ascension: 19.11 hours
Declination: -25.8 degrees.
Visible: Between 55 degrees and minus 90 degree
Did you know that the Sagittarius is the largest constellation in the Southern Hemisphere and is very visible with the naked eye?

Ophiuchus

Best month to view: July
Right Ascension: 17.18 hours
Declination: -4.24 degrees
Visible: Between 80 degrees and -80 degrees
Did you know that astrologers ignored the Ophiuchus for centuries until 2011 when it was an added as an astrological sign?

If you need assistance using right ascension and declination to locate the constellations, refer to this helpful video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUbG8jboh4M

The Zodiac constellations are wildly popular, but most are unaware of the history behind each of the constellations. If you are interested in learning more about the constellations that fill our sky be sure to visit: http://www.space.com/15722-constellations.html to learn more!