43 years ago, Neil and Buzz walked the moon, took these photos
Astronaut Neil Armstrong took the photo above 43 years ago to the day on July 20, 1969. It was his first snap after setting foot on the surface of the moon. Soon after, Buzz Aldrin would also climb down from the Apollo 11 lunar module, called Eagle, and the pair would become the first humans to walk on a celestial body other than Earth.
Below are more images taken by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin during their stay on the moon (unless otherwise noted). Astronaut Michael Collins, the third member of the Apollo 11 crew, didn't get to walk on the moon's surface — as the Command Module Pilot, he orbited overhead in the Apollo 11 Command/Service Module, called Columbia. Fun fact: it was Collins who designed the mission patch that the Apollo 11 crew wore.
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The view of Michael Collins from Columbia as Eagle begins its descent on July 20,1969.
Aldrin pressing his boot into the lunar soil to create what would be an iconic image of humanity's exploration of the moon.
Aldrin's finished footprint.
Boots on the ground, Neil Armstrong takes his first photo from the lunar surface.
Buzz Aldrin descends from the lunar module, Eagle, as he joins Armstrong.
Aldrin sets up a solar wind experiment. The pair will soon work to collect various samples from the moon.
A classic shot: Aldrin pauses so Armstrong can take a photo of him. Armstrong can be seen in his fellow astronaut's visor.
A view looking up at the lunar module with a distant Earth seen overhead.
Aldrin walks with cases full of various experiments. Armstrong's camera was probably too heavy or else we're sure he'd be helping out.
Armstrong, now back in the lunar module, removes his helmet.
And here's Aldrin, post-moonwalk.
Eagle returning back to orbit on July 21, 1969, as seen from Columbia and Michael Collins.
Aldrin salutes the U.S. flag, which will blow over once the lunar module ascends to rejoin Columbia in lunar orbit.
