{
  "id": 13665867,
  "title": "'I watched Apollo 17 launch with Neil Armstrong'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/i-watched-apollo-17-launch-with-neil-armstrong",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-11T06:32:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "BBC Science",
    "slug": "bbc-science",
    "url": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckdd86nglrggo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nearly 54 years ago, Apollo 17 launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, concluding the final manned lunar landing mission. At the young age of 16, Preston astronomer Dermot Gethings was hand-picked by the United States embassy and NASA to witness the launch. The events of December 7, 1972, left Gethings awestruck, describing the adrenaline and shockwave that shook his body. As a child, his interest in space was sparked by sci-fi, The Thunderbirds, and televised NASA missions. Gethings' passion grew further when he formed an astronomy club at his school and organized public exhibitions. When news of the special invitation to witness Apollo 17's launch reached him months later, he was thrilled. The experience included meeting Neil Armstrong, dining with senators in the White House, and touring NASA bases. Gethings was fortunate enough to sit just inches away from Armstrong during the launch, a once-in-a-lifetime moment. He was gifted the only Apollo 17 Goodwill Moon Rock, which he presented to Prime Minister Edward Heath in 1973. Gethings continues his dedication to astronomy as a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and Vice Chair of Preston & District Astronomical Society.",
  "summary": "Dermot Gethings was 16 when Nasa picked him to watch the Apollo 17 launch alongside Neil Armstrong.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}