Alan Shepard

Panoramic sequence with Edgar Mitchell, the S-band antenna, the American Flag and the LM Antares reflecting a circular flare

Apollo 14, January 31-February 9, 1971, EVA 1, 114:56:15 GET

Three vintage chromogenic prints, each 20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10in), the first on fiber-based Kodak paper with “A Kodak Paper” watermarks on the verso [AS14-66-9302], the second on fiber-based GAF paper with “GAF” watermarks on the verso, numbered “NASA G-71-5811” (NASA Goddard) in black in bottom margin [NASA AS14-66-9305], the third on fiber-based Kodak paper with “A Kodak Paper” watermarks on the verso, numbered “NASA
AS14-66-9306” (NASA MSC) in red in top margin
20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10in)

Chaikin, Voices, p.63; Arnold, plate 9 (second photograph); Chaikin, Space, p. 115; Hope, p. 19; Light, plate 51 (third photograph); Constantine, pp.52-53; NASA SP-272, p. 16.

Third Photograph: Zürich, Kunsthaus, Salzburg, Museum der Moderne, Fly me to the Moon, March-June 2019 and July-November 2019; exhibition catalogue, p. 361, no. 50.

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Lot Essay

These three overlapping photographs taken by Shepard from the 12 o’clock position relative to the LM hatch (west of the LM) provide a panoramic view of the Fra Mauro landing site illuminated by the Sun.

Unfiltered by any atmosphere, the Sun as seen from the lunar surface is more brilliant than on Earth; and the LMs “landed with the Sun at their back, so that the astronaut’s view of the lunar surface was not impeded by glare. Consequently it was difficult to photograph a LM’s front face after landing” (Bizony, p.136).

However the front face of the LM is clearly visible with the ladder, the hatch and the “United States” and flag decals. The tilt of the spacecraft is apparent. The American flag is highlighted. The unusual ball of light on the LM was said by astronauts to have a jewel-like appearance. Mitchell is operating the TV camera sending live color pictures of the lunar surface back to Mission Control. The Cone Crater ridge, about 1 km away, forms the background behind Mitchell and the S-band antenna.

114:56:15 Mitchell: Now, I’ll zoom in out here once more (with the TV camera). Let you see at close-hand what’s out there. Another pile of rocks (and) more ridges.
114:56:44 McCandless (Mission Control): You’re pointing at the sky. (Pause)
114:56:51 Mitchell: Okay.
114:56:52 McCandless: That’s better.
114:56:53 Mitchell: You need a gunsight on this thing.
114:56:54 McCandless: You sure do.
114:56:55 Mitchell: That better?
114:56:56 McCandless: Yeah. The horizon is about one quarter of the way up.
114:56:58 Mitchell: Okay. (Pause as Ed lowers his aim)
114:57:04 McCandless: Beautiful. (Long Pause)
114:57:20 Shepard: Okay, Houston. Al is finished with the documentation; (and the frame) counter (is reading) 110 (on the Hasselblad).