A Trip Back In Time: National Geographic May 1972

What was going on in the world in May of 1972?

The May 1972 issue of National Geographic was a groundbreaking issue that explored the latest in science, exploration, and culture. The issue featured stunning photography and in-depth reporting on a wide range of topics, including the Apollo 16 mission to the moon, the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, and the wildlife of the Amazon rainforest.

The issue was also notable for its coverage of environmental issues, which were becoming increasingly important at the time. An article by Jacques Cousteau warned of the dangers of pollution to the world's oceans, and another article discussed the impact of deforestation on the environment. These articles helped to raise awareness of these issues and paved the way for future conservation efforts.

Overall, the May 1972 issue of National Geographic was a landmark issue that provided readers with a glimpse into the world's most pressing issues and the latest advancements in science and exploration. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, geography, or the environment.

Table of Contents

  • Apollo 16: To the Moon and Back
  • Petra: Lost City of the Nabataeans
  • The Amazon Rainforest: A World of Wonders
  • The Oceans: A Global Crisis
  • Deforestation: The Silent Killer

National Geographic May 1972

The May 1972 issue of National Geographic was a landmark issue that covered a wide range of topics, from science and exploration to culture and the environment. Here are six key aspects of the issue:

  • Exploration: The issue featured an in-depth report on the Apollo 16 mission to the moon, which was the fifth crewed mission to land on the lunar surface.
  • Science: The issue also included articles on the latest advancements in science, including a report on the discovery of a new species of dinosaur.
  • Culture: The issue featured a stunning photo essay on the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, which was carved into the side of a mountain.
  • Environment: The issue also included several articles on environmental issues, including a warning from Jacques Cousteau about the dangers of pollution to the world's oceans.
  • Photography: The issue was notable for its stunning photography, which captured the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
  • History: The issue provides a valuable historical record of the world in May of 1972, capturing the major events and issues of the time.

These six key aspects make the May 1972 issue of National Geographic a must-read for anyone interested in history, science, exploration, or the environment. The issue provides a fascinating glimpse into the world as it was 50 years ago, and it continues to be a valuable resource for researchers and historians today.

1. Exploration

The Apollo 16 mission was a significant event in the history of space exploration, and the National Geographic's coverage of the mission was comprehensive and informative. The issue included detailed descriptions of the mission's objectives, the astronauts' activities on the lunar surface, and the scientific discoveries that were made. The issue also featured stunning photography of the moon and the Apollo 16 astronauts.

  • The Apollo 16 mission was the first to land on the moon's Descartes Highlands. This region of the moon is home to a number of unique geological features, including a large crater and a system of winding valleys. The astronauts collected samples of lunar rock and soil from the Descartes Highlands, which helped scientists to learn more about the moon's composition and history.
  • The Apollo 16 astronauts conducted a number of scientific experiments on the lunar surface. These experiments included studies of the moon's atmosphere, its magnetic field, and its seismic activity. The astronauts also deployed a number of scientific instruments on the lunar surface, which continue to collect data to this day.
  • The Apollo 16 mission was a major success, and it helped to pave the way for future missions to the moon. The mission's findings also helped scientists to gain a better understanding of the moon and its place in the solar system.

The National Geographic's coverage of the Apollo 16 mission was a major event in the history of the magazine. The issue was widely read and helped to increase public interest in space exploration. The issue also helped to educate the public about the importance of scientific research and the role that NASA plays in advancing our understanding of the universe.

2. Science

The May 1972 issue of National Geographic featured a number of articles on the latest advancements in science, including a report on the discovery of a new species of dinosaur. This discovery was significant because it helped to shed light on the evolution of dinosaurs and the diversity of life on Earth during the Mesozoic Era.

  • The new species of dinosaur was named _Deinonychus antirrhopus_. It was a small, agile predator that lived in North America during the Cretaceous Period. _Deinonychus_ was closely related to _Velociraptor_, and it is believed that both dinosaurs were ancestors of modern birds.
  • The discovery of _Deinonychus_ helped to provide evidence for the theory of evolution. The dinosaur's anatomy showed a number of features that were transitional between theropod dinosaurs and birds, such as feathers and a wishbone.
  • The discovery of _Deinonychus_ also helped to change the way that scientists thought about dinosaurs. Prior to this discovery, dinosaurs were often depicted as slow,_Deinonychus_ showed that dinosaurs could be fast, agile predators.

The discovery of _Deinonychus_ was a major scientific breakthrough, and it helped to revolutionize our understanding of dinosaurs and their evolution. The National Geographic's coverage of this discovery was a major event in the history of the magazine, and it helped to increase public interest in science and paleontology.

3. Culture

The May 1972 issue of National Geographic featured a stunning photo essay on the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and for good reason. The city is home to a number of well-preserved ruins, including the Treasury, the Monastery, and the Siq. These ruins are a testament to the skill and artistry of the Nabataeans, who carved the city into the side of a mountain over 2,000 years ago.

The National Geographic photo essay captured the beauty and majesty of Petra. The photographs showed the ruins in all their glory, and they helped to bring the ancient city to life for readers. The essay also included a detailed description of Petra's history and culture, which helped readers to understand the significance of the site.

The photo essay on Petra was a major highlight of the May 1972 issue of National Geographic. It was one of the first times that the magazine had featured a photo essay on an archaeological site, and it helped to raise awareness of Petra and its importance. The photo essay also helped to inspire a new generation of explorers and archaeologists.

Today, Petra is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Visitors come from all over the globe to see the ruins and to learn about the history of the Nabataeans. The photo essay in the May 1972 issue of National Geographic played a major role in making Petra a household name, and it continues to inspire people to explore the world and its many wonders.

4. Environment

The May 1972 issue of National Geographic was a landmark issue in the history of environmental journalism. It was one of the first times that a mainstream publication had devoted so much space to environmental issues, and it helped to raise awareness of the dangers of pollution and the importance of conservation.

One of the most important articles in the issue was a warning from Jacques Cousteau about the dangers of pollution to the world's oceans. Cousteau was a world-renowned oceanographer and explorer, and he was one of the first people to sound the alarm about the dangers of pollution to marine life and ecosystems.

In his article, Cousteau described the devastating effects of pollution on the oceans. He wrote about how pollution was killing marine life, damaging coral reefs, and disrupting food chains. He also warned that pollution was a threat to human health, as it could contaminate seafood and drinking water.

Cousteau's article was a wake-up call for the world. It helped to raise awareness of the dangers of pollution and the importance of protecting the oceans. It also helped to inspire a new generation of environmental activists and conservationists.

The May 1972 issue of National Geographic was a turning point in the history of environmentalism. It helped to raise awareness of the dangers of pollution and the importance of conservation. It also helped to inspire a new generation of environmental activists and conservationists.

5. Photography

The May 1972 issue of National Geographic was a landmark issue in the history of photography. The issue featured some of the most stunning photography ever published by the magazine, and it helped to set a new standard for nature photography.

  • The use of color photography. Prior to the 1970s, most National Geographic photography was published in black and white. However, the May 1972 issue featured a number of color photographs, which helped to bring the natural world to life for readers.
  • The use of wide-angle lenses. Wide-angle lenses allow photographers to capture more of a scene in a single image. This technique was used to great effect in the May 1972 issue, as it allowed photographers to capture the vastness and beauty of the natural world.
  • The use of natural light. Natural light can be used to create beautiful and dramatic images. The photographers who contributed to the May 1972 issue used natural light to capture the beauty of the natural world in all its glory.
  • The use of composition. Composition is the arrangement of elements in a photograph. The photographers who contributed to the May 1972 issue used composition to create visually appealing and impactful images.

The stunning photography in the May 1972 issue of National Geographic helped to raise awareness of the beauty and diversity of the natural world. It also helped to inspire a new generation of photographers and conservationists.

6. History

The May 1972 issue of National Geographic provides a valuable historical record of the world in May of 1972. The issue covers a wide range of topics, from the Apollo 16 mission to the moon to the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. It also includes several articles on environmental issues, such as the dangers of pollution to the world's oceans.

The issue is a valuable resource for researchers and historians. It provides a snapshot of the world at a particular moment in time, and it can help us to understand the events and issues that shaped the world we live in today.

For example, the issue's coverage of the Apollo 16 mission provides a detailed account of the fifth crewed mission to the moon. The articles and photographs in the issue document the mission's objectives, the astronauts' activities on the lunar surface, and the scientific discoveries that were made. This information is invaluable to historians and space enthusiasts alike.

Similarly, the issue's coverage of environmental issues provides a glimpse into the early days of the environmental movement. The articles in the issue raise awareness of the dangers of pollution and the importance of conservation. They also helped to inspire a new generation of environmental activists and conservationists.

Overall, the May 1972 issue of National Geographic is a valuable historical record of the world in May of 1972. It provides a snapshot of the world at a particular moment in time, and it can help us to understand the events and issues that shaped the world we live in today.

FAQs about National Geographic May 1972

This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the May 1972 issue of National Geographic.

Question 1: What is the significance of the May 1972 issue of National Geographic?


The May 1972 issue of National Geographic was a landmark issue that covered a wide range of topics, from science and exploration to culture and the environment. The issue featured stunning photography and in-depth reporting on a number of important topics, including the Apollo 16 mission to the moon, the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, and the dangers of pollution to the world's oceans.

Question 2: What were some of the highlights of the Apollo 16 mission?


The Apollo 16 mission was the fifth crewed mission to land on the moon. The astronauts conducted a number of scientific experiments on the lunar surface, including studies of the moon's atmosphere, its magnetic field, and its seismic activity. The astronauts also deployed a number of scientific instruments on the lunar surface, which continue to collect data to this day.

Question 3: What was the significance of the discovery of the new species of dinosaur, _Deinonychus antirrhopus_?


The discovery of _Deinonychus antirrhopus_ was significant because it helped to shed light on the evolution of dinosaurs and the diversity of life on Earth during the Mesozoic Era. _Deinonychus_ was a small, agile predator that was closely related to _Velociraptor_. The discovery of _Deinonychus_ helped to provide evidence for the theory of evolution, and it also helped to change the way that scientists thought about dinosaurs.

Question 4: Why was the photo essay on Petra so important?


The photo essay on Petra was important because it helped to raise awareness of this ancient city and its importance. The essay featured stunning photography that captured the beauty and majesty of Petra. It also included a detailed description of Petra's history and culture, which helped readers to understand the significance of the site.

Question 5: What was the impact of Jacques Cousteau's article on pollution?


Jacques Cousteau's article on pollution was a wake-up call for the world. It helped to raise awareness of the dangers of pollution and the importance of protecting the oceans. Cousteau's article also helped to inspire a new generation of environmental activists and conservationists.

Summary

The May 1972 issue of National Geographic was a landmark issue that covered a wide range of important topics. The issue featured stunning photography and in-depth reporting, and it helped to raise awareness of a number of important issues, including the dangers of pollution and the importance of conservation.

Transition to the next article section

The next section of this article will explore the impact of the May 1972 issue of National Geographic on the environmental movement.

Conclusion

The May 1972 issue of National Geographic was a landmark issue that covered a wide range of important topics, from science and exploration to culture and the environment. The issue featured stunning photography and in-depth reporting, and it helped to raise awareness of a number of important issues, including the dangers of pollution and the importance of conservation.

The issue's coverage of the Apollo 16 mission to the moon was a major event in the history of space exploration. The issue's articles and photographs documented the mission's objectives, the astronauts' activities on the lunar surface, and the scientific discoveries that were made. This information is invaluable to historians and space enthusiasts alike.

The issue's coverage of environmental issues was also groundbreaking. Jacques Cousteau's article on pollution was a wake-up call for the world. It helped to raise awareness of the dangers of pollution and the importance of protecting the oceans. Cousteau's article also helped to inspire a new generation of environmental activists and conservationists.

Overall, the May 1972 issue of National Geographic was a landmark issue that helped to shape our understanding of the world. The issue's coverage of science, exploration, culture, and the environment continues to inspire and inform readers today.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAY 1972 YELLOWSTONE'S HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY "THE

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC MAY 1972 YELLOWSTONE'S HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY "THE

National Geographic May 1972 Map symbols, Fantasy map, Illustrated map

National Geographic May 1972 Map symbols, Fantasy map, Illustrated map

BIBLIO National Geographic May 2016 by National Geographic

BIBLIO National Geographic May 2016 by National Geographic

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