Hartmann Theory Put to Test

World-known planetary scientist, astronomer, author, and artist, William K. Hartmann, 68, is now acclaimed for his 1974 doctoral dissertation theory as to the creation of the Moon by a huge impact collision with the Earth by a Mars-sized celestial body 4.45 billion years ago.

With the flotilla of international spacecraft now enroute to map the Moon, Dr. Hartmann's accepted theory of lunar origin may be put to the test. Over the next two years, four spacecraft are to gather detailed data of the lunar surface and geological make-up.

Dr. Hartmann is known as the "Renaissance Man of the Solar System." He spends a lot of his time helping undergraduate and graduate students take interest in planetary science at the University of Arizona.