2007-07-01 11:14:59 · 15 answers · asked by me 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Technically, someone would have to go there to verify that is was still there. However, the amount of power and force used when a spaceshuttle starts its engine would almost guarantee that the flag was blown away when Armstrong and Aldrin began their mission home.
I wish I could post again, instead I have to edit my original response. I got 4 thumbs down and an email regarding my response.
Ok, smarty pants. I actually researched the information before I posted it, unlike other people. I got my response from NASA. See the question and answer posted on their site.
Is the American flag still on the moon today?
Yes, we believe it is. We're not sure if it's standing because it might have been knocked over by the engine blast when the ascent module of Apollo 11 took off.
2007-07-01 11:38:52 · answer #1 · answered by Secret 2 · 4⤊ 4⤋
There are six American flags on the surface of the Moon. The flags were placed far enough away from the Lunar Modules so that the blast from the ascent engines would not destroy them. Evidence of this fact can be seen in the later moon landings in which the cameras were recording the ascent stage blasting off and rising into lunar orbit. The flags were not destroyed.
There are also six American flags affixed to the descent stage of each of the lunar modules that landed on the moon. So in reality there are twelve American flags on the moon.
The only thing that might have done anything to them are particles from the solar wind and micro-meteorites hitting them. Or they may have been bleach out by the direct sunlight, much like paint on a house or even a flag fades from the constant exposure to the sun.
2007-07-02 00:45:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anthony W 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There were six landings, and all six erected a flag on the lunar surface. Those flags were normal nylon flags that you could buy from a shop on Earth. In fact that's how NASA got them in the first place. The only modification to the flag was to sew a rod across the top to hold it out in the absence of any wind on the Moon.
Those flags have now been there for over 35 years, and for half that time they experienced unfiltered sunlight. Nylon degrades when exposed to UV radiation, and without an atmosphere on the Moon the flags will have been exposed to an awful lot. By now the flags have probably broken down and fallen off the poles, leaving them as a line of white powder at the base of the flagpole.
2007-07-02 04:15:07 · answer #3 · answered by Jason T 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, they are all probably still there.
On at least two of the lunar missions, they filmed the landing site as they were taking off in the lunar module. You can observe the flag being blown around by the rocket's exhaust, but not falling over or being torn apart, so presumably, the rocket blast is probably not sufficient to tear down the flag or its stand.
Of interest is reading some of the transcripts of Armstrong's first attempt to drive the flag post into the lunar soil. He apparently had a great deal of difficulty pounding the stand in, so presumably once it is driven in, it would take something huge to pull it out.
Rocket exhausts notwithstanding, there is absolutely nothing else non-human that will disturb them except any future meteorite impacts.
2007-07-01 19:11:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Forget what that answer above said. There are no typhoons, clouds, water or winds on the moon. It is airless (I think he is getting mixed up with Mars).
So, the flags will most likely still be there.
2007-07-01 18:43:45 · answer #5 · answered by nick s 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Well no-one has gone back to collect it... I'm sure we would have heard of a mission back to the Moon to collect the flag they deliberately left there the last time.
2007-07-01 18:18:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
With solar winds and typhoons arriving every cycle the probability of the flag still flying is not a great hope raiser by any standards. There are clouds and winds on the moon that can actually make the pole rust and when it breaks down can only fly away should a cheeseman happen by.
Honestly, I don't thing the flag is actually flying any longer - let alone the Dune Buggy that was left behind. Do you think they got good mileage or what? Far out!
2007-07-01 18:24:36 · answer #7 · answered by upyerjumper 5 · 1⤊ 6⤋
Yes
2007-07-01 19:38:09 · answer #8 · answered by A.R 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yup, hasn't moved an inch.
2007-07-01 18:22:13 · answer #9 · answered by sabeen559 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I pretty sure that it is. I cant really think of a reason that they would have taken it down quite yet.
2007-07-01 18:18:11 · answer #10 · answered by indie124 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋