[hsalaw]

I read an article the other day where Neil Armstrong was quoted at the time of the first launch. Houston was worried that a technical problem would delay or prevent the launch, and Armstrong, who was already in the capsule, was quoted as saying: “Why don’t you fix your little problem and then let’s light this candle.” He was a great American, a courageous pioneer, and will truly be missed. Sincere condolences to his family.

[DallasDeb]

I’m pretty sure that was the first Gemini flight—Alan Shepherd, not Armstrong.

[Mad Dawgg]

"I read an article the other day where Neil Armstrong was quoted at the time of the first launch. Houston was worried that a technical problem would delay or prevent the launch, and Armstrong, who was already in the capsule, was quoted as saying: "Why don’t you fix your little problem and then let’s light this candle.” He was a great American, a courageous pioneer, and will truly be missed. Sincere condolences to his family."

No, that was Alan Shepard. First American in space.

[dragnet2]

Great story.

It was Mercury, Gemini, Armstrong and all of the Apollo missions which pushed my interest in Astronomy. During that time I stared at the lunar surface with a $20 Sears telescope until my eyes crossed, building other small scopes as time and money would permit.

A few years ago, with help from family, I built a small optical observatory for astronomical imaging. One recent image is below.

I toast Neil Armstrong for a job well done. This one's for Neil and all those who made the landing possible!

10"SCT- Canon 40D 16x150 seconds ISO800- CLS filter w6.3 Focal reducer.

Veil Nebula is an old supernova remnant in the constellation Cygnus. It is the remains of cataclysmic explosion of star that exploded between 5,000 and 8,000 years ago. This nebula is about 1,860 light-years distance.