It's been 50 years since Neil Armstrong took the first steps on the moon. This week in celebration of Apollo50, the smithsonian and airandspace are re-creating the iconic rocket launch like never before: a giant projection on the Washington Monument.
USA TODAYWASHINGTON – Fifty years ago, men were launched to the moon on a Saturn V rocket. Only three of this type of rocket still exist, and none has ever been to D.C. Until now.
“It began as the idea that these two images would make a really unforgettable visual for the anniversary that might drive home the scale of the accomplishment for people who weren’t there to see it first hand," Partridge said. Viewing areas are on the National Mall in front of the Smithsonian Castle between 9th and 12th Streets.It’s no simple feat to project light hundreds of feet into the sky. But 59 Productions knows a thing or two about large-scale displays.
According to Richard Slaney, managing director of 59 Productions, the Washington Monument display requires a series of 24 carefully calibrated projectors set back from the foot of the monument. Three to five projectors will converge on each part of the monument to achieve the necessary brightness and clarity.“On some levels it’s a very simple surface. We’re just projecting onto the east face," Slaney said.
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