Significant dates of observations, studies, and exploration go back to the 1600s and continue until today.

•1609 Thomas Harriot observes the Moon, makes drawings, and makes the first maps of the Moon.

•1609 Galileo Galilei publishes his scientific observations of the Moon.

•1959–1976 Russia completes 17 robotic missions on the Moon; Russia is the first to see the far side of the Moon and gather three samples.

•1961–1968 The United States completes three robotic missions and leads the way for future Apollo missions to the Moon.

•1969 Neil Armstrong is the first man to walk on the Moon.

•1994–1999 Lunar missions collect evidence of water ice at the lunar poles.

•2007–2008 Japan and China start one year missions to orbit the Moon.

•2008 NASA forms the Lunar Science Institute to lead research and lunar exploration.

•2009 The United States returns to lunar exploration with the Reconnaissance Orbiter and the LCROSS being launched.

•2011 NASA launches a spacecraft to study the surface and interior composition of the Moon.

•2013 NASA launches a spacecraft to study the atmosphere of the Moon.

•2013 China lands a robotic spacecraft on the Moon.

Look at the list of Moon explorations. Choose one you find interesting. Why do you think it was important?