Eugene Merle Shoemaker ( April 28 , 1928 -- July 18 , 1997 ) , also known as Gene Shoemaker , was an American geologist and one of the founders of the field of planetary science .
Eugene Merle Shoemaker ( April 28 , 1928 -- July 18 , 1997 ) , also known as Gene Shoemaker , was an American geologist . He was one of the founders of the field of planetary science .