Magnificent Desolation
Apollo Astronaut On the Moon

No other Apollo photograph has been reproduced as often as this portrait of Buzz Aldrin taken by Neil Armstrong during Apollo 11. Neil is visible in reflection on Buzz's visor. Buzz has his left arm raised and is probably reading the checklist sewn on the wrist cover of his glove. He is moving his right foot forward, as can be seen by the mound of dirt building up in front of the toe of that boot. Note the dirt adhering to Buzz's boots and knees. Otherwise, he is remarkably clean. Attached to the neck-ring tiedown strap is a snap hook used during the ladder descent and to secure the camera. Note also the ajustable kaki right lower strap of the PLSS. The two upper and the left lower straps were a fixed length measured for each astronaut.