December 31, 2012
The Top Seymour Science Story of 2012 was the passing of the brave astronaut and explorer Neil Armstrong. Nearly 100 of you commented on this story about his amazing life.
You may have heard that an astronaut named Neil Armstrong died today. He was a hero to me and to many others – the man who took a “giant leap for mankind” when he first walked on the moon on July 20, 1969.Neil Armstrong was a man of courage, and although he was a private person, he gracefully accepted his role for the rest of his life as the “face” of the space program and a symbol of man’s exploration of the solar system beyond our own planet.
This is a photograph of a footprint on the moon, left by our astronauts back in 1969. It marked the first time that human beings walked on ground that was not Earth. That footprint may last for a million years or longer, because there is no air on the moon. Without air there is no wind to blow the dust around.
The print of that first giant step for mankind will live forever on the moon, just as Neil Armstrong’s brave quest to explore and learn more will live forever in our memories.
When asked how they would like Neil Armstrong to be remembered, his wife and family said:
"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 think we can do that, don’t you?
Tessa, from Galax, Virginia wrote: I’m soo sad that Neil Armstrong died. He was so awesome to me. I look up to him.
A reader named Amy added: I am so sad hearing about Armstrong’s passing. Tonight when I go outside I will look up to the sky and say ‘thank you Neil Armstrong for all you did. You’re always in my mind.’
And an anonymous reader commented:
I like how he was the first astrounaunt to ever walk on the moon.
I like how when he was walking on the moon, how he wasn’t afraid.
I like how he was a hero to everyone on planet Earth.
I like how he could survive on the moon when there is no air.
I like how he was a man of courage and wisdom.
Posted by: Seymour Simon
