To Infinity and Beyond: An Interview with Buzz Aldrin
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By Rocco Staino -- School Library Journal, 12/02/2009
Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, talks about his new book Look to the Stars (Putnam, 2009).
Was your new children’s book Look to the Stars a tribute to your dad?
Well, the book isn’t really a tribute to my father. Rather, it is a story by a guy—me—who became a celebrity who was placed on a pedestal. It all happened because I was in the right place at the right time and was fortunate to have a good education. I was also fortunate to come from a family who knew major names in space and air travel. Today, any kid leading an ordinary life will be able to experience space travel.
Are you one of those people who feel that many of today’s kids are ignorant about the history of space exploration?
The 40th anniversary of the Moon landing was the perfect time to excite children and to hear from major leaders on what we may be doing in the future. I personally would like to reach today's children in writing a history of the space program in a graphic format similar to the one Stephen Hawking has written.
Look to the Stars is peppered with quotes from famous scientists. Was that your idea or your editor's?
It was a combination of both of us. It was a way of presenting the philosophy and observations of famous people on the past and future. Better to use their actual words than to tell you about them.
Your book also says Robert Goddard, the father of modern rocket propulsion, was inspired by reading science fiction. What are some of your favorite titles?
I feel the early writers of science fiction were the true visionaries. They projected the use of technology in a realistic way. Today’s writers and filmmakers rely upon the use of sensation and fantasy to titillate the public. Star Trek makes Warp 7 travel look easy. Those creators need to use more doable scenarios.
Can you elaborate on your recent comment on CNN’s Washington Journal about the possibility of other life-forms on Mars?
For me to believe that the Phobos Monolith was created by people other than Earth people I would need to have overwhelming evidence. It is an extremely unusual event and I would need verifiable evidence.
How does it feel about your place in history as the second man to walk on the Moon?
I was the second of the 24 people who walked on the Moon. Once you get to the Moon, putting one’s foot on it is easy. The difficult thing is getting there, and for that to be accomplished it took a huge number of people. How many people can name which of the Wright Brothers was the first to fly? It doesn’t make any difference who goes out first. It is the training that is involved.
