dsc63264.jpg

A shelf of lunar rock bags (left) and lunar sample bags.

The sign at left reads

Lunar Rock Bag

These small bags were attached to the astronaut's backpack while on the lunar surface and used to temporarily store samples as they were collected.

The bags were numbered, and astronauts described the samples they placed into the bags so that the information could be recorded for later reference. The bag on top is bag #528.

The sign at right reads

Lunar Sample Bags

These cup-like bags were used to collect lunar rocks and soil.

The astronauts place samples in the numbered bags as they described the samples to Mission Control on Earth. The samples were then returned to Earth for study.

The bottom-most bag is number 36; number 35 can be see through the translucent sample bag.