the Iconic Moon Pic

One of the most iconic images in human history is the one displayed here. (This image was created by NASA and as such is released into the public domain). This image is a perfect example of how information should be analyzed and evaluated before being taken as fact.

Many people believe this to be an image of the first lunar landing by Apollo eleven. That is correct. The image is of an astronaut. Again, that is also correct. It is also often assumed that the image is that of the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong. This is incorrect. The image, later used by MTV upon that network's launch on August 1, 1981, is not of Neil Armstrong, but rather of the second man on the moon, Buzz Aldrin. Armstrong is in the picture though, his image is visible in the reflection of Aldrin's helmet.

Information that is both of a print and visual nature should always be carefully analyzed before being accepted. Just because information seems credible or that the source seems reliable does not make it authoritative. Please remember this as you conduct research on various topics. A string of letters after a name does not make an expert, and a long title does not make a relevant or accurate journal/article.

And with that, as they said on the first broadcast of MTV, 'ladies and gentlemen, rock and roll.'

jwf