Times Square to Transform Into Tranquility Base
Adrian J Cotterill, Editor-in-Chief
The Aldrin Family Foundation will host a day-long, free family celebration in support of The People’s Moon project on July 20 in Times Square in honor of the 50th anniversary of one of the greatest achievements of all time – landing a human on the Moon.
City, state and national partners have come together to help transform the heart of New York City into Tranquility Base, the Apollo 11 landing site. From fun-filled educational activities to iconic footage from 1969 on the infamous Times Square screens to a giant Apollo photo mosaic, families will have the opportunity to spend nearly 14 hours celebrating this historic milestone.
Andrew Aldrin, President of the Aldrin Family Foundation told us “On July 20, 1969, the world was united as one, when humans achieved the ‘impossible’ dream of landing and walking on the moon. Our goal is to recapture that spirit and give thousands the opportunity to put themselves in the place where only 12 men have gone before and to share this historic moment, just like people did 50 years ago. Through this celebration, we hope to inspire today’s generation, give them hope for the future like Apollo did for generations before, and help them realize that their own ‘giant leap’ is right within their grasp.”
Starting at 9 a.m. EDT and over the course of 14 hours, families will have the opportunity to participate in numerous activities, including but not limited to, the following:
- Walk on the Moon – Guests will be able to walk on a giant, floor-based mosaic of the iconic Moon boot print created by UK Artist Helen Marshall of The People’s Picture. The mosaic will be populated with photos from people around the world sharing their “giant leap” moments and dreams, as well as memories from Apollo 11. Some of these photos will make their way to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex as a permanent digital display. Photos, story and video submissions will be accepted through July 10, 2019.
- Educational Activities – The Aldrin Family Foundation will display its signature Giant Moon MapTM and Giant Mars MapTM. Plus, there will be special robotic and educational activities on the maps hosted by the Aldrin Family Foundation to teach kids about the history of past lunar landings and future space exploration plans.
- Historical Footage – The Discovery Channel will provide the video content to help guests relive key moments from the July 16, 1969, Saturn V rocket launch, as well the July 20, 1969, Moon landing and first steps. Historical footage, along with videos promoting future space missions, will be broadcasted throughout the day over select digital screens in Times Square. Clear Channel Outdoor and Champ Sports have generously donated screen time in Times Square and Clear Channel Outdoor has also donated space in select locations on billboards across the country.
In London the historical moon landing footage will show simultaneously on London on Piccadilly Lights in and in Singapore the moon landing content will show simultaneously at the Art Science Museum in Marina Bay.
The Times Square celebration would not be possible without the generous support of numerous partners, including: the Aldrin Family Foundation, The People’s Moon, NASA, the New York City Department of Education, Clear Channel Outdoor, the Times Square Alliance, New York City Mayor’s Office of Operations, Prolific Graphics, The People’s Picture, SpaceApps NYC, AstroReality, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Delaware North, Discovery, Productions New York, ZAZ10TS, #moonhug and Champs Sports.
For more information on the Times Square Apollo 50th Celebration hosted by The Aldrin Family Foundation and The People’s Moon click here.
@AldrinFamilyFdn #Apollo50 #thepeoplesmoon #mygiantleap
Follow DailyDOOH