[Apollo 11] COVER OF LIFE: the first U.S. flag standing on the Moon, captured from LM Eagle Buz...

[Apollo 11] COVER OF LIFE: the first U.S. flag standing on the Moon, captured from LM Eagle Buzz Aldrin, 16-24 July 1969 Printed 1969. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image AS11-37-5545]. Numbered 'NASA AS11-37-5545' in red in the top margin, with 'A Kodak Paper' watermark on the reverse (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas). 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context This iconic photograph graced the cover of LIFE magazine (ON THE MOON, footprints and photographs by Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin) on August 8, 1969. Surrounded by footprints left by the first men to walk upon the Moon, the American flag stands on the surface of the Sea of Tranquillity, symbolizing the first conquest of another world by humans. In the background is the deployed B&W lunar surface TV camera which broadcasted the lunar surface extravehicular activity to Earth. The shadow on the right of the flag just below the LM thruster comes from the SWC (Solar Wind Collector) pole. From the mission transcript during the EVA: 110:17:44 Armstrong: It's a great honour and privilege for us to be here representing not only the United States but men of peace of all nations, and with interests and the curiosity and with the vision for the future. It's an honour for us to be able to participate here today. Footnotes: Literature LIFE, 8 August 1969, cover LIFE, 11 August 1969 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, December 1969, pp. 772-773 For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing