Moon Landing Anniversary

On July 20, 1969 Benalla had moon-landing fever.Everyone who owned a TV was sat in front of it, those who didn't own one were sat with those who did.Like most of the planet the people of Benalla looked on in awe as Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the Moon and uttered the now-famous words ‘‘That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.’’Fifty years on and the moon landing is still one of the most watched television events in history.On July 17 this remarkable achievement will be celebrated and commemorated by Astronomy Benalla at the Benalla Library.Commencing at 6.30 pm the event will take a look back and reflect on the original footage of this amazing space mission.The night will include a display of fascinating memorabilia, and will tell the story of Australia’s crucial link in this amazing feat.There will also be presentations, activities and, afterward, a night sky tour.Prior to 1969 sending three astronauts into space, landing two smoothly on the Moon and then returning all safely to Earth was a dream many believed impossible.As a result, the success of that one event left an indelible and lasting impression in almost every culture around the world.It was man’s Coming of Age, and literally the ‘Sky was now the limit’ for humankind’s future endeavours.This month all the world will be celebrating Man’s first visit to another celestial body.Organisers hope the enormity of this achievement can be communicated to generations born since then, and encourage attendees to bring family and friends to be a part of these significant commemorations.For more information, contact Astronomy Benalla on 0407 532 674, or the Benalla Library on 5762 2069.