BellaOnline Forums Education Astronomy Neil Armstrong (1930-2012)

The first human being to set foot on another world died today.

When Neil Armstrong's love of flying began in childhood and he got his pilot's license at 16 - he didn't yet have a driver's license - he could never have dreamed how far he would fly one day.

Armstrong earned a degree in aerospace engineering, which remained his absorbing interest along with the actual flying. He became a Navy pilot and flew nearly eighty combat missions. Later he was a test pilot and then an astronaut. After he left NASA he went into university teaching until he retired to his farm.

As a quiet, reserved man who shunned the limelight, being one of the most famous men in history was difficult. Nonetheless he went his own way and didn't capitalize on his fame.

To his family his death is a deep, personal loss. To those of us who remember the night of July 20/21, 1969, when the whole world held its breath, it's a piece gone of our personal history, as well as one of the defining events of the 20th century.

Armstrong's family's tribute ended with these words:

"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."

I listened to Coast to Coast last night. It was an old show with Art Bell. He interviewed some moron who contended that man never walked on the moon, that astronauts only went into "low earth orbit." What is wrong with these guys, that they continue to disseminate misinformation and lies? They are in the same category as conspiracy theorists who believe Elvis is still alive. The sad part is they are influencing kids who do not know any better.

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I agree, Jim, that it's sad to see the influence of moon hoaxers on younger people. It's also sad that young people don't learn how to search for reliable information on the net or enough science to understand what they've found.

The hoaxers themselves seem to be sad individuals who, instead of achieving something worthwhile themselves, feel important if they think they are able to destroy the achievements of others. The moon hoaxers are just one example of many. I guess they feel like crusading heroes fighting against an enemy powerful enough to hide "the truth".

Following Armstrong's family's tribute, readers of Universe Today were asked to send their pictures if they went out and winked at the Moon. Here is a gallery that includes some quite lovely images. Winking at the Moon in Memory of Neil Armstrong

Francine, Zen Pencils (a great site, worth checking out) has illustrated that quote by Armstrong as a tribute.

Neil Armstrong a Giant among Men

Neil Armstrong�s burial service September 14, 2012, aboard the USS Philippine Sea
(image credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls)

There is still not much incentive to return to the moon. The drive for Mars in on now.