Their Spirits Circle the Earth

The artwork features a brass ball with a 13.5-inch (34 cm) diameter on a granite slab, measuring approximately 3 ft. 6 in. x 1 ft. 1.5 in. x 3 ft. 6 in. The sculpture rests on a concrete base measuring approximately 4 in. x 1 ft. 4 in. x 4 ft. 2 in.^[1] An inscription on one side reads:

THEIR SPIRITS / CIRCLE / THE EARTH" / Sponsored by / The Burger King Corporation / and Their / Columbus, Ohio franchises / January 28, 1987".^[1] An inscription on a plaque reads: "Francis R. Scobee, Flight Commander / Michael J. Smith / Ronald E. McNair / Ellison S. Onizuka / Judith A. Resnik / Gregory B. Jarvis / Sharon Christa McAuliffe / They Accepted the Challenge / In memory of the courage and pioneering spirit of / the seven astronauts who perished aboard the / challenger on Jan. 28, 1986 / Designed and dedicated by the children of Columbus / Mayor Dana G. Rinehart / Jan. 28, 1987"^[1]

The memorial was surveyed by the Smithsonian Institution's "Save Outdoor Sculpture!" program in 1992.^[1]

• 1987 in art