By Gary Martin
“The full moon this weekend — called the “Buck” moon — is a reminder in these chaotic times to take a moment for quiet reflection (pun intended). We should also take this time to look at the moon and celebrate the extraordinary Apollo 11 moon landing, which happened 55 years ago, on July 20, 1969. Pictured here with me is my lovely bride of nearly 40 years, taking a moment to breathe.”
Editor’s Note: According to the The Old Farmer’s Almanac: “The full Moon in July is called the Buck Moon because the antlers of male deer (bucks) are in full-growth mode at this time. Bucks shed and regrow their antlers each year, producing a larger and more impressive set as the years go by. July’s full Buck Moon will reach peak illumination on Sunday, July 21, at 6:17 Eastern Time. But, “since the moon appears full for a few days a month surrounding its peak, the best time to view it might be on Saturday night to mark the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing,” Noah Petro, chief of NASA’s Planetary Geology, Geophysics and Geochemistry Laboratory, told CNN.
“The first moon landing was in the afternoon on July 20, 1969, and then they did the moonwalk that night,” Petro said. “There’s no better way to celebrate that than by going outside and looking at the full moon and toasting Neil (Armstrong), Buzz (Aldrin) and Michael Collins, and all the people who helped make Apollo 11 a reality 55 years ago.”
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This is lovely! Gary’s work is always spot on. I look forward to seeing what he’s thinking every week.
This beautiful image is not only a reminder of an important moment in history, it’s a reminder to us all to take a moment to breathe and focus. And, if we’re lucky, have someone loving by your side to do that with. I am. That’s me with the artist on that bench.
OK this one actually choked me up! I wanted to be the first “girl astronaut” but alas that never happened. I still vividly remember (teen) sitting on the floor of our apartment watching every single second of all things Apollo. Thanks for bucking up with this one oh master of weekly cartoon missives!
❤️❤️❤️
That is beautiful—and I knew nothing about the buck moon! Thank you, Gary!
Another winner from the talented Gary Martin
A beautiful Gary Martin illustration reminding us to slow down and look up.
The lunar landing was a glorious feat. I recall, however, that there cultures that refused to admit that humankind had actually landed on the earth’ moon. Apparently, their religions did not admit for the possibility.
The lunar landing and subsequent Polo missions stirred the debate on whether government monies would be more wisely spent on radiating poverty.
Nonetheless, happy 55th! May we continue to go onward and outward into space.
Bruce Greenfield
And just in time to sooth our frazzled nerves!!!
Another way to observe this anniversary would be to view the 1999 film A Walk on the Moon…which for dramatic effect inaccurately conflates the moon landing and the Woodstock Festival (which happened in mid-August).
I’ve always enjoyed Lunar Toons.
especially the ones with Buzz Bunny.
Beautiful, romantic and serene! Great job!
So sweet!
The actual walk on the moon may have happened on July 21, 1969.
What a beautiful way of depicting the landing on the moon. It makes me reflect on my childhood watching that historical moment.
Wow, nearly 40 years, nearly the best 3 years of your life.
I think it is so important for New Yorkers to “look up.” Even with the light pollution, there is so much to see. “Moonstruck” was set in New York for a reason!
And, I highly advocate doing so with one’s significant other. Thank you, Gary.
Profoundly beautiful.
I remember it well! It was my 16th birthday and I sat on the floor in front of the TV in awe! Remembering it makes me feel like a kid again.
Profoundly wonderful!
Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Somehow, the wonders & mysteries of the natural world seem amplified in the city. Somehow, this cartoon captures that phenomenon of comfort and awe.
I just really love this image….
Love the attendant clouds.