Apollo 12 Checklist With Montana Connection Heads to Auction

With renewed excitement about space exploration, talk of lunar hotels, and future missions to Mars, it's fun to look back at one of NASA's most famous practical jokes, one that has an unexpected Montana connection.

Apollo 12: The Moon's Checklist Adventure

During the Apollo 12 mission in 1969, astronauts carried detailed checklists attached to their wrists while exploring the Moon. Every task they needed to complete on the lunar surface was carefully outlined.

But someone behind the scenes decided to have a little fun.

A Hidden Surprise: The Playboy Connection

Hidden among the pages of those official NASA checklist booklets were photos of four Playboy Playmates. The astronauts eventually discovered them while working on the Moon, making for one of the most famous pranks in space history.

One of those women had ties to Missoula.

Reagan Wilson attended the University of Montana before becoming a Playboy Playmate. Her photo was one of the images secretly slipped into the Apollo 12 checklist.

From Rumor to Reality: Confirming the Prank

For years, the story floated around as little more than a rumor. It wasn't until decades later that one of the pranksters finally admitted the story was true, confirming that the playful surprise really did make it all the way to the lunar surface.

Now, that piece of space history is headed to the auction block.

The original Apollo 12 wrist checklist containing the hidden Playmate images is being offered through Heritage Auctions. Bidding opened at $100,000, and the auction is scheduled to conclude on July 24.

emarkable Apollo Artifacts for Sale

It's just one of several remarkable Apollo artifacts being sold, including lunar-surface equipment, flown mission hardware, and other rare collectibles from the early days of America's space program.

It's a fascinating reminder that even during one of humanity's greatest achievements, NASA support crews still found room for a little humor, and that one of the women featured in the legendary prank once called Missoula home.