It was in 1961 that President John F. Kennedy wanted to have humans land on the moon. Although the country had just begun sending people into space, the president and NASA were certain they were ready to also send humans there.
On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 blasted off with astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin Aldrin, and Michael Collins. Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the moon in the Lunar Module called the Eagle while Michael Collins stayed around the moon’s orbit to take photos and do some experiments.
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon, making President Kennedy’s wish to come true in less than ten years.
Moon Mythology
The moon is believed to be a goddess who may be coupled with a sun god. In Greek mythology, it is called Selene, Hecate, or Cynthia and is associated with the Apollo’s sister, the goddess Artemis. The Incas of South America believe that their ancestors were the moon-maiden and the sun man. It is also referred as “Luna”, “The Eternal One”, and “The Woman Who Never Dies”.
Moon Banknotes
Part of the fantasy banknote Silver Reserve of the Moon series is this Australia 10 Lunar Dollar banknote from 2014. On its obverse, the note features an astronaut and Atlas with the celestial sphere on his shoulder. The note’s reverse depicts a globe with a space shuttle circling around its path.
The moon is also evident on the reverse of the Israel 200 New Shekel banknote from 2015. The Earth’s natural satellite illuminates upon tree branches on this note. The obverse side features Israeli poet Natan Alterman and an excerpt of his poem “Eternal Meeting” in microprint.
Phases of the moon are illustrated on the reverse of this 1997 Bulgaria 10,000 Leva banknote. Also on the reverse are a telescope, a map, a ringed planet, and scientific equipment. Meanwhile, the note’s obverse side features educator Petar Beron along with a rhinoceros, a whale, and two globes.
