University of Arizona Moon Tree

Tucson, Arizona

[U of A Moon Tree] [U of A Moon Tree Plaque] [U of A Moon Tree]

The University of Arizona tree is a sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) planted on 30 April 1976. The tree is located between the Kuiper Space Sciences Building and the Flandrau Science Center and Planetarium on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, Arizona.

The image at top left shows the tree in 2015, the second tree image was taken in 2018. The original blue sign (below) was replaced by the sign with the same wording shown above. The lower pictures show the tree and sign circa 2002.

The seeds for the sycamores were collected from Claiborne County, Mississippi. After they were carried aboard the Apollo 14 mission they were germinated and the seedlings were grown at the U.S.F.S. southern station in Gulfport, Missisippi and distributed to Arizona in 1976.

On 30 October 2015, a Moon Tree Celebration was held in the Kuiper Building, featuring a keynote speech by Stuart Roosa's son, Jack.

The tree is located at 32 deg 13.941 min N, 110 deg 56.845 min W.

[U of A Moon Tree Plaque] [U of A Moon Tree]

Top left photograph courtesy Arizona Public Media
Two upper right photographs courtesy Beth Gordon and Kuiper
Lower photographs courtesy Jim Scotti

The Life of the 'Moon Tree' on Campus - LPL In The Spotlight (10/28/15)
Astronaut’s Son in Search of Moon Trees Planted by Father - Arizona Public Media (10/22/15)
Celebrating the Moon Tree - Campus Arboretum
Is there an Apollo 14 Moon Tree near you? - Universe Today, 4 February 2021

Kuiper Space Sciences Building

History of the Sycamore Moon Trees
Moon Tree Home Page

NASA
Author/Curator:
Dr. David R. Williams, dave.williams@nasa.gov
NSSDCA, Mail Code 690.1
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, MD 20771
+1-301-286-1258

NASA Official: Dave Williams, david.r.williams@nasa.gov
Last Updated: 13 May 2021, DRW