Zion, the Super Bowl and Space
Zion Natural History Association, Zion National Park, Springdale, UT 84767
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Would you believe that Zion National Park and Super Bowl XLIV have something in common? On February 7, 2010 a collectible coin from Zion National Park is scheduled to lift-off aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor courtesy of Zion fan, Astronaut Robert Behnken. A few hours later, in the same state, a special Super Bowl commemorative coin will be used for the official coin toss prior to the kickoff of Super Bowl XLIV. That coin made 171 orbits around the world aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery before making its way to this year's Super Bowl. Each crew member of a space shuttle mission is allowed to bring a few personal items on board. Often these items have included very interesting objects such as a Buzz Lightyear figure, a Star Wars light saber or a Lance Armstrong Tour de France yellow jersey. Lieutenant Colonel Behnken requested that he carry the commemorative centennial coin issued to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Zion National Park. This is the second time Lt. Col. Behnken has flown aboard the Endeavour. In 2008 he served as Mission Specialist 1 for ascent and entry, performed three spacewalks, and operated both the space station robotic arm and the Dextre robot. The mission was accomplished in 250 orbits of the Earth in just over 15 days. To read more about the newest Endeavour mission, follow this link. Did you ever wonder what Zion looks like from space? Follow this to see NASA's photo. You can have your own Zion Centennial Coin just like the one going into space, now available on our website, see it here. Having a small part of Zion included in a space mission is a real honor for the park and we send all our best wishes with Robert Behnken and the Endeavor crew. |