This rare and unique icon of the "Space Race" was one of the first American produced globes exhibiting complete cartography of the far side of the moon. The Russian Luna 3 probe in 1959 sent to Earth the first pictures of the unknown dark side of the moon. These images were the template for a Russian lunar globe (26cm) in 1961 and a German version by Rath Globen (33cm) in 1963, giving the Russians a clear lead in the "Space Race".

It wasn't until 1969 that the Americans in a race to the moon would launch Apollo 10 in a dry run for an actual moon landing, providing the world with color transmissions of remarkable quality and spectacular views of the Earth and Moon. The Lowell Observatory lunar mapping facility division used the transmissions and hundreds of still photographs from both Apollo 8 (first manned craft to orbit the moon) and Apollo 10 (closest approach to the lunar surface) to produce complete and geographically accurate lunar map gores. The gores were subsequently used by Denoyer-Geppert to create the 16” diameter Lunar Globes for NASA. The initial run consisted of 200 globes. As there are no named landing sites or a branded cartouche on the globe, this is believed to be a genuine First Edition.

Galileo was responsible for naming the major features on the near side, naming the dark smooth areas maria (latin for seas) ie: Mare Tranquillitatis or Sea of Tranquility, the site of the Apollo 11 landing. These and many other historical names are are identified on the globe.

A 16in. metal orb with 12 hand papered gores with a brass ferule and brass horizon ring. The globe is mounted on a half rod allowing it to be liberated and remounted on either axis for closer scrutiny. The metal base is done in a faux wood. The total height is 21in. The condition of the globe is very good. No scuffing or map loss. There is some discoloration between map gores. The brass colored metal on the globe is showing corrosion. The faux wood base is free of scratches or loss of finish.