Moon Rock Gift to Ireland Destroyed in Fire

A piece of Moon rock gifted to Ireland after NASA's Apollo 11 mission was destroyed in a fire at Dunsink Observatory, newly released documents reveal. Originally presented to President Éamon de Valera in 1970, the rock spent three years in a government basement due to indecision over its display location. It was only relocated to Dunsink Observatory after the U.S. donated a second lunar sample in 1973, prompting concerns that the first rock should be on display to avoid embarrassment. Tragically, the first piece was lost in a fire on October 3, 1977. The second piece, also gifted by the U.S., has had a more stable display history and is currently held by the National Museum of Ireland. Documents highlight a significant lack of oversight regarding the precious artefact, leading to its unfortunate demise.