2346/6106

[Apollo 11] Rare view of the TV camera on the lunar surface at tranquility Base. Buzz Aldrin, 16–24 July 1969. Printed 1969. Vintage gelatin silver print on fiber-based paper [NASA image AS11–40-5884, originally shot on color film]. 20.3×25.4 cm (8×10 in), numbered “AS11–40-5884” in bottom margin, with handwritten USGS annotations identifying lunar rocks at Tranquility Base (NASA / United States Geological Survey, Flagstaff, Arizona).

This extremely rare image of the moonscape at Tranquility Base looking north is a frame from the panoramic sequence taken by Buzz Aldrin as he was standing in the shadow of Eagle from a position 7 m west of the LM ladder. The TV camera which recorded the EVA is visible in the second photograph. The shadow of the us flag is visible to the right. “I took the first panorama out in front without having the camera mounted on the RCU and it did not appear to be unnatural to do so. It’s much easier to operate with it mounted; however, I didn’t find that the weight of the camera was as much a hindrance to operation as pre-flight simulations indicated it would be.” Buzz Aldrin (1969 Technical Debrief).

Condition

Original USGS annotations on glossy surface, excellent condition.

Auction

Space, 15 November 2023