You're right to point out the irony! Apollo, the Greek god, is associated with the Sun, not the Moon. So why did NASA name their lunar program after him?

Here's the explanation:

* President John F. Kennedy was the one who championed the Apollo program and chose its name.

* Kennedy was a strong advocate for the space program and wanted to inspire the American public.

* He saw the name "Apollo" as a powerful symbol of ambition, exploration, and achievement, which resonated with the spirit of the space race.

It's important to remember that Apollo was also associated with music, poetry, and light, which could be seen as fitting for the scientific and artistic endeavor of space exploration.

While Apollo's connection to the Sun might seem like a misstep, it's ultimately a testament to the powerful symbolism that Kennedy saw in the name.