A New Hampshire auction house will reportedly put up the EKG of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin during their descent to the moon, an item that could fetch more than $10,000.
The EKG, which records the minutes right before the duo touched down on the moon, shows the tense final minutes as the lunar module soared across the lunar landscape and Aldrin and Armstrong sought to discover a place to safely land the craft.
The auction, which is being led by RR Auction, will take bids on the EKG and other items during a series of auctions between May 16 and May 23. Other items include the joystick used to control the lunar module’s descent onto the moon, and 85 other items from the Apollo 11 mission.
According to those familiar with the EKG, it shows Aldrin’s blood pressure rising as the pair of astronauts began to run short on fuel. Armstrong’s blood pressure remains relatively low as he spent the time scouring the lunar surface for an area void of house-sized boulders. The pair successfully landed the lunar module on the surface of the moon with less than 20 seconds of fuel remaining.
It remains unclear how much the EKG will fetch. The auction house has listed the item of $3,000, although its historic significance will likely push the actual purchase price far higher.
The Apollo missions were able to reveal a great deal of information about the moon and its relationship to the Earth. The National Air and Space Museum lists the Apollo discoveries as showing not only the nature and history of the moon and its formation, but also important information about its environment.
Armstrong, a space legend, passed away in August of last year at the age of 82. He passed away from complications due to heart surgery. The former U.S. Navy pilot made two trips two space, one in 1966 as commander of the Gemini 8 mission and a second in 1969 during which Mr. Armstrong became the first man to walk on the surface of the moon.
according to http://www.thespacereporter.com
