Sale 205 Lot 1020

APOLLO XVII "BLUE MARBLE" VIEW OF EARTH FROM DEEP SPACE SIGNED BY COMMANDER EUGENE CERNAN, DECEMBER 1972. This photograph was taken on December 7, 1972, while the spacecraft was en route to the Moon, and showcases a full view of Earth with prominent features such as Africa, Antarctica, and the Arabian Peninsula, is regarded as "the most significant photograph of the 20th century."
Astronaut Cernan (1934-2017) was one of only three men to orbit the moon twice and the only man to fly in the lunar 'module' twice in lunar orbit. In an essay "One Man's Being There" that accompanies this photograph, Cernan wrote: "As Earth grows smaller, quickly at first, then more slowly as we approach our destination a quarter million miles from home, it continues to revolve majestically through the heavens with logic and purpose, reinforcing a belief that 'it is just too beautiful to have happened by accident.'" Only 275 of these photographs were signed by Cernan - 27" x 27".
Collection of a Retired Journalist
Estimate $400-600