Gordon Swann
American geologist (1931–2014)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gordon Alfred Swann (September 21, 1931 – May 22, 2014) was an American geologist. Born in Palisade, Colorado, he went to high school in Olathe, Colorado, and then served in the U.S. Navy from 1952 to 1956.[1] He received his PhD from the University of Colorado in 1962, and studied the Precambrian geology of the Front Range of Colorado while working for U.S. Geological Survey.[1] He is notable for his work with NASA and the training of the astronauts of the Apollo program in field geology.[2]
Gordon Swann | |
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Gordon Swann in 1998 | |
| Born | September 21, 1931 Palisade, Colorado, US |
| Died | May 22, 2014 (aged 82) |
| Alma mater | University of Colorado |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch | United States Navy |
| Service years | 1952–1956 |
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Swann served as the Principal Investigator of the Apollo Lunar Geologic Experiment for Apollo 14[3] and Apollo 15.[4] A part of the Montes Apenninus (south of Mons Hadley) at the Apollo 15 landing site was informally called the Swann Range in his honor by the astronauts.[5]
Besides his work for NASA, Swann was an adjunct professor at the University of Northern Arizona.[1]
In his non-academic life Swann was a Master at the Flagstaff Masonic Lodge.[1]
Books and publications
- Karlstrom, N. V.; Swann, Gordon A.; Eastwood, Raymond L., eds. (1974). Geology of Northern Arizona with Notes on Archaeology and Paleoclimate. Geological Society of America. hdl:10150/630724.
- Swann, G. A.; et al. (1977). Geology of the Apollo 14 landing site in the Fra Mauro highlands. National Aeronautics and Space Administration. LCCN 74026964. OCLC 1104157.
Recognition
- The asteroid 4082 Swann is named after him by the Minor Planet Center.[6]
- NASA Exceptional Scientific Achievement Medal[1]
- American Institute of Professional Geologists Excellence Award[1]
- Thirty Third Degree Scottish Rite Mason, plus two Albert Pike awards[1]
