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Coloradans Share Challenger Memories

DENVER (CBS) - Coloradans on Friday were taking a moment to remember a tragic moment in American space history.

Challenger, the doomed NASA Space Shuttle, exploded 25 years ago, right after launching. Seven astronauts were killed including teacher Christa McAuliffe.

Most people who were alive at the time remember exactly where they were when they first heard about or saw the disaster on TV. Some experts call that a "flashbulb memory."

Dr. Alice Healy, a professor of Psychology at the University of Colorado told CBS4 the "'charged event' puts some sort of imprint on our memory and prevents us from forgetting."

Here are two of the many comments from CBS4 Denver's Facebook page where people have shared memories:

"I was a junior in high school. Was on lunch break and saw it happen on TV. Can remember like it happened yesterday." - Scott Fitzpatrick

"I was working for then Martin Marieetta, Now Lockheed Martin, and we made the external tank. It was an interesting day at the Broadway and Mineral location."
- Dale Whittemore

Read more about the ceremony to honor the memories of the astronauts that took place on Friday at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on CBSNews.com.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/27/national/main20029843.shtml?tag=stack
Related Link: CBSBoston.com Coverage Of McAuliffe Remembrance | CBSMiami.com Challenger Memorial Coverage | DailyCamera.com Coverage of Boulder residents who watched in Florida

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