How Old Is Buzz Aldrin

Hey there, space enthusiast! You might be wondering, "Just how old is Buzz Aldrin, the guy who moonwalked before Michael Jackson made it cool?" Well, buckle up, 'cause we're about to dive into a fun little journey through time.

Born in the Roaring '30s

Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, the man who'd one day become an astronaut, was born on January 20, 1930. That's right, folks! He's a Capricorn, which means he's not only a space explorer but also a mountain goat at heart. Imagine him climbing Mount Everest in a spacesuit – now that's a sight!

Growing up in the '30s and '40s, Buzz was a part of the Greatest Generation. He saw World War II from afar and was just old enough to watch the first TVs roll out. He was born in the same year as another famous figure – Marilyn Monroe. Now, that's a fun fact to pull out at your next trivia night!

From Fighter Pilot to Astronaut

Buzz joined the U.S. Air Force after graduating from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He became a fighter pilot and even flew in the Korean War. After that, he earned his Ph.D. in Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – you know, just for kicks!

In 1963, NASA selected Buzz as an astronaut. He was part of the third group, known as NASA Astronaut Group 3. The other members included Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Gene Cernan – quite the crew, huh?

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Moonwalking and Beyond

On July 20, 1969, Buzz Aldrin became the second person to walk on the moon. He was part of the Apollo 11 mission, alongside Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins. Armstrong was the first to set foot on the moon, but Buzz wasn't far behind. He stepped onto the lunar surface around 20 minutes later, saying, "Beautiful view. Magnificent desolation."

After the moon landing, Buzz continued his space adventures. He commanded the Apollo 11 backup crew, served as backup lunar module pilot for Apollo 12, and was the crew commander on the Apollo 15 mission. Phew! That's quite the resume!

Age is Just a Number

So, how old is Buzz Aldrin now? As of 2021, he's 91 years young. That's right, folks! He's older than sliced bread, but still going strong. He's written books, been in documentaries, and even made a cameo in "The Big Bang Theory." Talk about a legendary career!

Buzz Aldrin at 90: an interview with the Apollo 11 astronaut - BBC Sky

Buzz might be getting up there in years, but he's not slowing down. He's still inspiring the next generation of space explorers. He even has a foundation dedicated to fostering curiosity and engagement with science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) education. How cool is that?

An Uplifting Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Buzz Aldrin is 91 years old and still making waves. He's a reminder that age is just a number, and you're never too old to reach for the stars. Whether you're an astronaut, an artist, or a space enthusiast, keep dreaming big and never stop exploring. After all, the universe is waiting!

And remember, the next time you look up at the moon, think of Buzz Aldrin and his incredible journey. He's not just an astronaut; he's a living legend who's left his mark on history. Now go out there and make your own mark – the sky's not the limit, it's just the beginning!