39 years ago today, on December 11, 1972, the last manned crew of the Apollo lunar program began their four day exploration of the Taurus Littrow valley.

Dramatic panoramic view of the lunar module Challenger, and the lunar rover vehicle. Panoramas of this kind can be obtained by visiting the good folks @ www.moonpans.com.

Along with Commander Gene Cernan, the first scientist in space Jack Schmitt, a geologist, would capture some of my favorite imagery of the Apollo program.

Jack Schmitt, with the falg and Earth, is photographed by Gene Cernan on December 11, 1972. You can see Gene's reflection in the sun shield of Jack's helmet.