Moon Hammer and Feather DropIn 1971, during the Apollo 15 mission, astronaut David Scott conducted a famous science experiment on the Moon’s surface. He simultaneously dropped a hammer and a feather from the same height, demonstrating the concept of gravity and air resistance.
The ExperimentOn August 2, 1971, Commander David Scott, a former Air Force pilot, performed the experiment at the end of the last Extravehicular Activity (EVA) of the Apollo 15 mission. He held out a 1.32 kg aluminum geological hammer and a falcon feather, releasing them from approximately 1.6 meters above the lunar surface. The objects fell to the ground without any air resistance, allowing them to demonstrate the same acceleration due to gravity.
ResultsThe hammer and feather fell at the same rate, striking the lunar surface simultaneously. This experiment confirmed Galileo’s centuries-old theory that, in the absence of air resistance, all objects fall at the same rate regardless of mass. The Moon’s gravity, which is one-sixth of Earth’s, also played a crucial role in the experiment.
SignificanceDavid Scott’s moon feather and hammer drop experiment was a groundbreaking demonstration of scientific principles in a unique environment. It showcased the validity of Galileo’s theory and highlighted the importance of understanding gravity and air resistance. The experiment has since become an iconic representation of scientific inquiry and experimentation.
Key FactsDate: August 2, 1971
Location: Hadley Rille, Moon’s surface
Objects: 1.32 kg aluminum geological hammer and a falcon feather
Height: Approximately 1.6 meters above the lunar surface
Result: Both objects fell at the same rate, striking the surface simultaneously
https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/image/AS15_Ham_feath_drop.mp4