Thomas A. Mutch

Geologist, Mountaineer

1931 – 1980

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Who was Thomas A. Mutch?

Thomas A. Mutch was an American geologist and planetary scientist. He was a professor at Brown University from 1960 until his death. He was presumed killed when he disappeared during descent from Mount Nun in the Kashmir Himalayas.

He published two books about the geology of the Moon and of Mars. As head of the Viking surface photography team, he is quoted as commenting on the first pictures: "This is just an incredible scene. It looks safe and very interesting."

A crater on Mars was named in his honor, and the Viking 1 lander was formally renamed "Thomas A. Mutch Memorial Station" on Jan 7, 1981 by then NASA Administrator, Robert A. Frosch; the engineering model currently displayed in the Smithsonian Institution has a small plaque beside it commemorating this, and a note that it will be left with the actual lander when circumstances permit. The Thomas "Tim" Mutch Memorial Fund was established in 1981 by his family and friends.

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Born
Aug 26, 1931
Also known as
  • Thomas Mutch
Nationality
  • United States of America
Profession
Employment
  • Brown University
Died
Oct 6, 1980

Submitted
on July 23, 2013

Citation

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