25 years ago
Three astronauts from Apollo 17, the United States' 6th manned flight to the moon, visited the First Presidency March 16, 1973, and said the trip reinforced their faith in God, according to the March 24, 1973, Church News.
The astronauts were Commander Eugene A. Cernan, Dr. Harrison H. Schmitt and Capt. Ronald E. Evans.
Commander Cernan remarked that the earth was much more colorful from the moon than the other objects of the universe.
"It looks alive, the trails of the clouds, the drift of the continents and the ice caps can be seen. It is a beautiful and majestic sight available to man. Yes, the earth has a different quality and color. It looks like it is alive."
President N. Eldon Tanner, first counselor in the First Presidency, took opportunity to bear his testimony to the astronauts:
"I have always known there was a God," he said. "We are His children, I am convinced. Surely God, who created the earth, could through His guidance tell us how to truly get back to His presence. . . . God can keep in touch with you and me."
