Resonant Constellation

40 years ago today Apollo 11 lifted off at approximately 9:30 AM (local time) from Kennedy Space Center, headed for the moon. Just four days later, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin would become the first humans on the moon. I’ve read a lot about the Apollo program, the most recent book being the authorized biography of Neil Armstrong, First Man (which is a REALLY good book that I sincerely recommend everybody should read), and I generally find rocketry fascinating (see my previous post). Let us, then, take this opportunity to view a series of videos of the launch of Apollo 11 and other assorted Apollo videos:

A really cool, ultra-high-framerate video from one of the launch towers during launch with excellent narration.

Some really cool views of the launch.

The actual TV broadcast.

The docking of CM Colombia to LM Eagle in Earth orbit.

The first part in a three part series (on youtube, anyway) featuring some really great in-flight footage I’ve never seen before

Simply awesome in-flight footage of Buzz opening and entering the LM for the first time. Parts 2 and 3 are really cool as well.

Some really cool footage from Apollo 4.

And, for good measure, an Apollo 10 40th Anniversary video, which includes my favorite Astronaut ever, John Young.

Warning: be cautious; YouTube comments are well known to be absolutely full of stupidity and extreme idiocy. Do not be bothered by moon-landing-hoax people, they have no idea what they’re talking about. If you have ANY doubts about this, visit the Bad Astronomer’s (Phil Plait) old website here. For some more really cool recent posts on Apollo 11 with great pictures, visit his newer blog here.

Extra note: Super awesome photos from The Big Picture found here. I really can’t accurately describe how incredible some of these photos are.