Man's Mission to the Moon Turns 43: Here's How to Celebrate in the Valley

Today marks the 43rd anniversary of spaceflight Apollo 11, when Americans Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to land on the moon (don't forget: Michael Collins made the trip too, but stayed in orbit.)

There's always less national fanfare for these "in-between" anniversaries -- a daytime event at the Challenger Space Center is all we could find in The Valley.

And unfortunately, last night was a new moon - meaning "no" moon - so tonight's view of Luna will be a barely visible sliver in the sky. So instead of staring at the sky, check out these videos for some planetary eye candy and a chance to celebrate our one giant leap ...

On July 16, 1969 at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the rocket Saturn V launched into orbit, beginning the Apollo 11 mission.

Although Armstrong and Aldrin landed on July 20, no one exited the Apollo Lunar Module until the 21st.

Watch the shuttle safely splash into the Pacific plus five more minutes of well-deserved pride and patriotism.

A sheepish Armstrong agrees to sit with Ed Bradley for one of his few TV interviews about the historic mission. Then 75 years old, Armstrong downplays his role, chalking it up to circumstance.

Remember when Sacha Baron Cohen was funny? Me neither. But here, his poser hip-hop character Ali G interviews Buzz Aldrin. Points for tolerating Cohen's questions for almost five minutes.

Follow Jackalope Ranch on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

• Events