4x5 B&W glossy finish vintage photograph signed in black felt tip ink by Cyril Ponnamperuma. Dated in 1993. In very good condition. (1923-1994) Dr. Cyril Andrew Ponnamperuma was a Sri Lankan scientist in the fields of chemical evolution and the origin of life.In 1962, he was honored with a National Academy of Sciences resident associateship with NASA at Ames Research Center. In 1963 he joined NASA's Exobiology Division and take over the helm of the Chemical Evolution Division. He was selected as the principal investigator for the analysis of lunar soil brought to earth by Project Apollo.Thereafter, he was closely involved with NASA in the Viking and Voyager programs and was offered membership in both the Space Science Advisory Council and the Life Sciences Advisory Council of NASA.According to Arthur C. Clarke, "No other scientist of Sri Lankan origin was internationally known and respected as he was". He produced over 400 scientific publications and holds a number of prestigious academic posts during his rather short lifespan.Cyril Ponnamperuma (1923-1994) of the Exobiology Division at NASA's Ames Research Center points out the simple laboratory equipment with which he artificially produced ATP, the source of energy for all forms of life. 1963 photo.His studies focused mainly on the origin of life, but only after he was selected for the analysis of the moon dust in the 'Apollo Programme his name and photo appeared on the cover pages of world-class newspapers and magazines such as Time and Newsweek.This lot came from the Jim Wiggins collection we purchased in July 2022. Jim Wiggins accumulated the most unique and valuable autograph collection over a period of 70-plus years. He obtained his collection either in person or by writing to persons of fame and notoriety.Comes with a full Letter of Authenticity from Todd Mueller Authentics.