Three Men and the Moon

Tina Lerno, Librarian, Digital Content Team,
man on the moon with american flag

On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the lunar surface, making American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin the first humans to walk on the moon. Armstrong was the first to touch toe, and he meandered about for two and a half hours outside the spacecraft. Aldrin was next and though his jaunt wasn't as long, he and Aldrin managed to collect over forty-seven pounds of moon rocks to bring home as souvenirs. The third man, Michael Collins stayed behind and manned the controls; the ultimate "Hey, watch our stuff." He remained alone in orbit until Armstrong and Aldrin returned.

National Moon Day is observed annually on July 20 to commemorate what is thought of as “…the single greatest technological achievement of all time.”—NASA

the Earth's moon from space

You can celebrate the day, and night, by simply looking up in awe at our closest celestial body; it's near enough to see with the naked eye. You can also view through a telescope, or at an observation site like Griffith Observatory, Carnegie Observatory, or Mt Wilson. Also, check out the U.S. Naval Observatory website to search the moonrise and moonset times in your local area, so you can get the best viewing times.

We have lots of interesting books about the Apollo 11 landing, as well as biographies and autobiographies of all three astronauts. Their stories are fascinating!


Apollo 11 Books and Biographies


Book cover for Apollo 11 Men on the Moon
Apollo 11 Men on the Moon

Book cover for Apollo: Through the Eyes of the Astronauts
Apollo: Through the Eyes of the Astronauts

Book cover for The Apollo 11 Moon Landing
The Apollo 11 Moon Landing

Book cover for The First Men on the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11
The First Men on the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11
Harland, David M. (David Michael), 1955-

Book cover for Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journeys
Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut's Journeys
Collins, Michael, 1930-

Book cover for The Man Who Went to the Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11 Astronaut Michael Collins
The Man Who Went to the Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11 Astronaut Michael Collins
Schyffert, Bea Uusma.

Book cover for The Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11's Third Man
The Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11's Third Man
Irvine, Alexander (Alexander C.),

Book cover for One Giant Leap: Neil Armstrong's Stellar American Journey
One Giant Leap: Neil Armstrong's Stellar American Journey
Wagener, Leon.

Book cover for No Dream is Too High: Life Lessons From a Man Who Walked on the Moon
No Dream is Too High: Life Lessons From a Man Who Walked on the Moon
Aldrin, Buzz,

Book cover for Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home From the Moon
Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home From the Moon
Aldrin, Buzz.


 

 

 

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