55 Years Ago - We Put a Man on the Moon

20 July 1969 was a very famous and memorable day in space exploration history. On this date, the world listened as Neil Armstrong, Edwin (Buzz) Aldrin, and Michael Collins from Apollo 11 speak to each other, and this was the first-time man walked on the moon.

This week is 55 years since that amazing event, and I have followed the Nasa Facebook pages with images from NASA and great images on Aldrin’s page throughout the week leading up to a wonderful event, which included the guest of honour, Buzz Aldrin, who is now aged 94 years (born 20 January 1930).

Apollo 11 was launched from Cape Kennedy on July 16, 1969, carrying Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin into an initial Earth-orbit of 114 by 116 miles. An estimated 650 million people watched Armstrong's televised image and heard his voice describe the event as he took "...one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind" on July 20, 1969.

Buzz Aldrin - Facebook

“July 20th, 1969, is a date that stands high in my life – it was the day that we, together as one people, achieved the greatest scientific and technological feat in human history. The specific role that Neil, Mike and I performed in the event was but one part of an immeasurably larger effort – not just for our nation, but for all mankind. As I look back on what we accomplished 55 years ago, I am still inspired by what we all saw and did – the best of America and the best of humanity. Thank you for the privilege and the honor of serving you, and for being part of this exciting and wonderous journey with me”. #Apollo11

NASA and other international space agencies continued to explore space. There have been joint successful space projects with Russia, Canada, Japan, Italy, France, Germany and many other countries. These projects have included the “International Space Station”.

My thoughts go back to our childhood when Neil Armstrong took his first steps on the Moon. The Apollo rockets thrilled us, and many young children dreamed of being an astronaut. I am sure many readers will remember the television broadcasts, watching the news and following the updates as NASA broadcast the historic event.

I remember the newspaper reports and the double paged black and white picture of the moon with all its craters and peaks. During the 1970s I remember having a school visit to see the Gemini moon space capsule and saw some moon rocks they had on display.

The history of space exploring continues to expand our minds, as scientist explores the outer space areas. From the work of Edwin Hubble to the James Webb Telescope and beyond. There is the “New Horizon” this project has discovered that Pluto had large ice volcanoes which are unique in our Solor System and the scientist continue to explore our universe, the “New Horizon” is now exploring the Kipler Belt, the outer reaches of our Solar System. There are also many interesting projects from exploration of Mars to looking for stars with planets.

The famous physicist the late Stephen Hawking, who died in 2018, published “A Brief History of Time” and Stephen helped launch a major new effort to search for signs of intelligent alien life in the cosmos. Technology has advanced so far, scientist and physicists can examine radio waves in deep space learning the mysteries of space, time and black holes.

NASA, Apollo Space Rockets, Mars Rover, New Horizon; We have grown up with so many advances. I wonder what the next new discovery will be as scientist explore our Solar System and beyond into the universe.

If you are interested in the night sky, get out and enjoy our Norfolk Island Magical Dark Skies and help protect the dark nights from light pollution for our marine environment and for our future generations to enjoy.

Here are a couple of internet sites to visit.

Apollo 11 - NASA

I love this Pink Floyd YouTube Link –Pink Floyd "Moonhead" -1969- Unreleased Pink Floyd Material

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2HHT7txFQ0

I have also gathered a few images from this week’s event with Buzz and the historic Apollo 11 Moon mission and landing.

Space History

Betty Matthews

26 July 2024