Wink at the Moon

Neil Alden Armstrong August 5, 1930 – August 25, 2012
The first person to walk on the Moon on July 20 1969.

After Neil Armstrong’s death this weekend his family issued this statement:

“We are heartbroken to share the news that Neil Armstrong has passed away following complications resulting from cardiovascular procedures. Neil was our loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Neil Armstrong was also a reluctant American hero who always believed he was just doing his job. He served his Nation proudly, as a navy fighter pilot, test pilot, and astronaut. He also found success back home in his native Ohio in business and academia, and became a community leader in Cincinnati. He remained an advocate of aviation and exploration throughout his life and never lost his boyhood wonder of these pursuits. As much as Neil cherished his privacy, he always appreciated the expressions of good will from people around the world and from all walks of life. While we mourn the loss of a very good man, we also celebrate his remarkable life and hope that it serves as an example to young people around the world to work hard to make their dreams come true, to be willing to explore and push the limits, and to selflessly serve a cause greater than themselves.

For those who may ask what they can do to honor Neil, we have a simple request. Honor his example of service, accomplishment and modesty, and the next time you walk outside on a clear night and see the moon smiling down at you, think of Neil Armstrong and give him a wink.”

Pete Lawrence put together this excellent guide to finding the Apollo 11 landing site.

There are very few photographs of Neil Armstrong on the Moon. This is one taken by Buzz Aldrin of Neil packing up a rock sample to take back home:

And closer:

This iconic image of Buzz Aldrin was taken by Neil Armstrong – whose reflection is visible in Buzz’s visor.

All images from the Apollo 11 Image Library

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter camera took some close up and enhanced images of the Apollo 11 landing site. This is an animation put together by forum member jumpjack:

More Apollo 11 goodies can be found in this Image of the Week from last year.

Buzz Aldrin’s statement on Neil’s death can be found here.

To have grown up at a time when manned space flight was the norm was both inspirational and exciting – and it will be a very long time before another generation of children will experience that. The manned Apollo missions are what sparked my interest in astronomy and I remember looking at the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission full of awe that people were actually walking around up there.

So this one’s for you Neil: