California Claims Moon Rights

California has named the Apollo 11 moon landing site a state historical resource, so the 1969 lunar landing base is now included on the state's register.

Is this the beginning of a 21st century Moon Rush?

The California State Historical Resources Commission aims to protect more than 100 items left by astronauts on the Moon which have 'historical value' to the state of California.

"It has a significance that goes way further than whether it came from a quarter million miles away or not," state historic preservation officer Milford Wayne Donaldson said.  "They are all parts of the event."

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin jettisoned scientific equipment, tools, empty containers and waste products to lighten the load of the Eagle lunar module for take-off in 1969.

The moon itself is not included in the designation, because under international law no country or state can make a claim to the moon, but we know that California's cultural influence will sweep the moon eventually.

We might as well get 'first dibs' on claiming Pluto too --- it was a California scientist who killed it as a planet, after all.

I guess we should expect to see the California state flag planted on the lunar surface, right?  With so many people in our Golden State, that bear needs a little more space to roam.

Looks like Schwarzenegger is forgetting about sending California prisoners to Mexico now.