Norbert Haupt

The tracks left by humans on the moon crisscross the surface in this image taken recently by the Lunar Reconaisance Orbiter of the Apollo 17 site. The trails made by astronauts on foot can be distinguished from the dual tracks left by the lunar roving vehicle (LRV). Also seen in this image are the descent stage of the Challenger lunar module and the rover parked to the east.

All this equipment was left there some 40 years ago, during the last manned mission to the moon. Here is a picture of the site made by the astronauts made from the surface:

For many more years the six landing sites will remain undisturbed. Then, one day, I am certain, space tourism will arise, and domes will be built around these sites, so future humans can examine the centuries-old relics, left in the 1970s, museum-style, much like we visit Native American monuments today, with gift stores through which we have to exit the museums and McDonalds in the food courts.