Only a dozen humans have ever walked on the moon.
Six of the surviving nine will be in Tucson next week for Spacefest III, a celebration of all things space.
In all, there will be 20 astronauts along with test pilots, mission controllers and some of the world's top researchers, in addition to writers and personalities such as Richard Hatch of "Battlestar Galactica" and Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood of "2001: A Space Odyssey."
"Usually, when people get there they don't know what do to first," said Sally Poor, who produces the event with her husband, Kim. The couple own Novaspace, a Tucson-based mail-order business specializing in astronomical art and astronaut autographs.
The last Spacefest was held two years ago in San Diego and drew about 500 people. Next week's event in Tucson, known as the astronomy capital of the world, will likely draw more.
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In addition to the space fans coming from throughout Europe, New Zealand and Latin America, the Poors say Spacefest is an awesome opportunity for locals.
Tours for Thursday to places like Kitt Peak have long since sold out, but there is plenty to do and see Friday through Sunday, with talks, exhibits, and vendors selling everything from meteorites to T-shirts.
Anyone who regularly watches the Discovery Channel will recognize most of the speakers, Sally Poor said.
This may be one of the last opportunities to see so many moonwalkers at one place. Buzz Aldrin, who just turned 81, is probably the best known.
"They are the true American heroes," Poor said.
Meet the astronauts
The following astronauts will be available for paid autograph sessions; check the website for schedule and prices. There is also a Friday luncheon with astronauts hosting 10-seat tables; $195.
• JIM LOVELL, Gemini 7, 12 Apollo 8, 13. First to the moon, 1968.
• BUZZ ALDRIN, Gemini 12, Apollo 11. First lunar landing, 1969.
• ALAN BEAN, Apollo 12, Skylab 2, fourth moonwalker, 1969.
• EDGAR MITCHELL, Apollo 14, sixth moonwalker, 1971.
• DAVE SCOTT, Gemini 8, Apollo 9, Apollo 15, seventh moonwalker, 1971
• CHARLIE DUKE, Apollo 16, 10th moonwalker, 1972.
• GENE CERNAN, Gemini 9, Apollo 10, Apollo 17, 12th moonwalker, last man on the moon, 1972.
• GEN. TOM STAFFORD, Gemini 6a, 9a, Apollo 10, Apollo-Soyuz.
• FRED HAISE, Apollo 13.
• AL WORDEN, Apollo 15, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation chairman.
• RICHARD GORDON, Gemini 11, Apollo 12.
• PAUL WEITZ, Skylab 1, STS-6.
• RUSTY SCHWEICKART, Apollo 9, first lunar module pilot.
• WALT CUNNINGHAM, Apollo 7, first manned Apollo flight.
• JACK LOUSMA, Skylab 2, STS-3.
• ED GIBSON, Skylab 3.
• BRUCE McCANDLESS, STS-41B, STS-31, first to fly in space untethered, 1984.
• RICK SEARFOSS, STS-58, STS-76, STS-90, test pilot for space firm XCOR.
• CHARLES WALKER, STS-41D, STS-51D, STS-61B, first commercial industry astronaut.
If you go
• What: Spacefest III, a conference packed with astronaut and other celebrity appearances, lectures, vendors, book signings and an auction and star party.
• When: June 3-5 (June 2 events already sold out).
• Where: J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort, 3800 W. Starr Pass Blvd.
• Cost: General admission is $35 daily or $75 all three days; discounted daily: $30 junior (age 8-17); $15 military; free age 7 and under. Additional costs for autographs, meals, some lectures. "The Wonder of It All," screens 5:30 p.m. June 3, $10.
• More info: www.spacefest.info/III/
Two free events
• Heritage Auctions' Space Exploration Auction will include lots of astronaut memorabilia, including signed photographs. The auction starts at 6 p.m. June 3, but items will be on display earlier.
• A star party on June 4 is a must for anyone who loves to look at the night sky. Starizona and Stellar Vision will bring telescopes that will track different objects. Comet hunter Carolyn Shoemaker will answer questions, and astrophotographers will discuss techniques. Amateur astronomers are encouraged to bring their telescopes. Skies will be dark thanks to a very young crescent moon that will set about 7:30 p.m.
Lectures
The weekend is packed with notable lectures. Here are three must-sees:
• 1 p.m. June 4: Carolyn Porco, who commands the Cassini-Saturn mission's cameras, will also discuss astrobiological implications of Saturn's moon Enceladus.
• 10:30 a.m. June 3: Comet hunter David Levy is known for discovering 23 comets. most recently one that will pass close to the Earth in early 2012. He co-discovered comet Shoemaker-Levy 9, which hit Jupiter in 1994.
• 3:30 p.m. June 3: The University of Arizona's Peter Smith designed the stereo camera for the Pathfinder/Sojourner Mars lander. He led the Phoenix Mars Mission, which dug up fresh ice on Mars.
Source: Novaspace Find Tim Hunter's Sky Spy on Page 48.