A moon tree is taking root near Pitt’s historic Allegheny Observatory

Pitt and Riverview Park will soon be stewards of a seedling grown from seeds that flew around the moon on NASA’s Artemis I mission in 2022. The agency selected the site, within view of Allegheny Observatory, after careful review of hundreds of applications.

“A new era of moon trees will one day stand tall in communities across America,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said. “NASA is bringing the spirit of exploration back down to Earth because space belongs to everyone. The Artemis Generation will carry forth these seedlings that will be fertile ground for creativity, inspiration and discovery for years to come.”

The sweetgum tree’s location serves as a reminder of the role Pittsburgh has played in the field of astronomy. Allegheny Observatory was dedicated during a 1912 meeting of the American Astronomical Society, and its 30-inch Thaw Telescope was crucial in collecting data used to establish the distance to the stars.

“Now, in the 21st century, Allegheny Observatory’s historic importance is emphasized with the planting of this moon tree, provided by NASA,” said David Turnshek, the observatory’s director and a professor of astronomy in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.

[Did you know? The observatory also settled a debate around Saturn’s rings.]

Since returning to Earth, the tree seeds have been germinating under the care of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

“The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is honored to be part of this incredible moment in Riverview Park’s history as we plant a moon tree — a living symbol of exploration and discovery,” said Erin Tobin, outreach coordinator with the conservancy. “This tree’s journey from space to our park system reflects a shared commitment to connecting people with the wonders of nature. We are proud to collaborate with our partners in planting this unique tree and hope to inspire and engage all who visit Riverview Park.”

A park ranger will speak at the event, along with Kerry Handron, Allegheny Observatory outreach coordinator, and Mike Hennessy, manager of learning and programs at the Moonshot Museum.

“Our moon tree’s growing branches represent the many talents, skills and careers in Pittsburgh’s rapidly growing space industry: from astronomers to artists, mathematicians to marketers, welders to writers,” Hennessy said. “These diverse branches spring from the same seed of inspiration — a seed that literally soared beyond the moon on the Artemis I rocket.”

Rooted in the legacy of the original moon trees flown by NASA astronaut Stuart Roosa during Apollo 14, the Artemis I seeds journeyed 270,000 miles from Earth aboard the Orion spacecraft.  A diverse array of tree species, including sycamores, sweetgums, Douglas firs, loblolly pines and giant sequoias, were flown around the surface of the moon

“Our moon tree will now take root here in Pittsburgh’s North Side, in a neighborhood with both a proud legacy and a pioneering future in space,” Hennessy said. “It will continue to grow alongside us as a spacefaring city, as we dare to reach for the moon and beyond.”

Register to attend the public ceremony welcoming the tree to Riverview Park on Oct. 6., 2:30-5:30 p.m. Scientists and outreach specialists will host nature- and space-based programming for children K-5.

Photography courtesy of NASA/Cory Huston