435. [Apollo 17] THE FINAL SCIENTIFIC SITE ON THE MOON AT TAURUS LITTROW (NASA's own copy, used and annotated, for the preparation of its final Apollo science report) Harrison Schmitt, 7-19 December 1972, EVA 3 Printed 1972. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image AS17-134-20505]. With original editorial labels in the white margins on the recto for publication in NASA's Apollo 17 Preliminary Science Report (NASA SP-330), with "A Kodak Paper" watermark and traces of previous mounting on the reverse, numbered "NASA AS17-134-20505" in red in the top margin (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas), together with an original NASA sheet indicating directives and notes (figure 4-24) for publication in the report. 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context Unlocking lunar secrets. Before returning to the LM, the astronauts conducted additional scientific tasks at the scientific site (ALSEP site), including retrieving the Lunar Neutron Probe Experiment (LNP). Designed to measure neutron capture rates in the lunar regolith at varying depths, this experiment provided critical data on the Moon's subsurface composition. In the foreground, the gold-coloured Mylar transport bag covers the top of the neutron probe, shielding it from extreme lunar temperatures during its 40-hour emplacement. Beyond the LNP, the ALSEP Central Station—the mission's scientific command hub—relayed commands from Earth, transmitted data, and distributed power to each deployed experiment. The Sculptured Hills and South Massif form the rugged, distant horizon, reinforcing the isolation of Apollo's final lunar scientific outpost. [Apollo 17 Preliminary Science Report caption] FIGURE 4-24. -A gold-coloured Mylar transport bag covers the top of the lunar neutron probe (LNP) for temperature control during the 40-hr emplacement of the probe in the Moon. The LNP is designed to obtain data on neutron capture rates in the lunar regolith as a function of depth. The LNP was emplaced through the treadle assembly into the hole drilled for the core sample. The borestem and corestem rack is visible at the right margin of the photograph. The Apollo lunar surface drill power head lies on the lunar surface behind the rack. The ALSEP equipment is set up in the background. The Sculptured Hills and South Massif form the horizon (AS17-134-20505). Literature Apollo 17 Preliminary Science Report (NASA SP-330), figure 4-24