Did Neil Armstrong Say He Never Went to the Moon?
For decades, the moon landing has been one of the most iconic moments in human history. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins became the first humans to walk on the lunar surface. However, there has been a persistent myth that Armstrong himself claimed he never went to the moon. This article delves into the origins of this myth and the truth behind Armstrong’s statements.
The origins of the myth can be traced back to a 2005 interview with Bill Kaysing, a former aerospace engineer and author of “We Never Went to the Moon: America’s Thirty Billion Dollar Swindle.” In the interview, Kaysing claimed that Armstrong had told him he never went to the moon. This statement quickly gained traction and was repeated by various conspiracy theorists over the years.
However, the claim that Armstrong said he never went to the moon is false. In a 2001 interview with Barbara Walters, Armstrong himself addressed the myth, stating, “That’s a myth. I’ve never said anything like that. I’ve never denied the moon landing. It happened.” Armstrong further clarified his stance in a 2004 interview with Vanity Fair, saying, “I’ve never denied the moon landing. It’s a myth that I’ve said I never went to the moon. It’s absolutely false.”
It’s important to note that Armstrong’s denial of the myth is not surprising, considering the extensive evidence supporting the moon landing. The U.S. government, NASA, and numerous independent experts have confirmed the authenticity of the moon landing. Furthermore, Armstrong himself brought back numerous artifacts from the lunar surface, including moon rocks, which are now on display in museums around the world.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, the myth persists due to the human tendency to believe in conspiracy theories. Some individuals may be skeptical of the moon landing due to the sheer scale of the project and the lack of transparency in some aspects of the mission. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between legitimate questions and unfounded conspiracy theories.
In conclusion, the claim that Neil Armstrong said he never went to the moon is a myth. Armstrong himself has repeatedly denied this assertion, and the evidence supporting the moon landing is substantial. It’s essential to rely on credible sources and scientific evidence when evaluating historical events and to be cautious of unfounded conspiracy theories.
