Putting a Man on the Moon

The expansion of scientific possibilities drove many APS Members to seek new frontiers for exploration. Physicist John Wheeler (APS 1951) built upon Einstein’s theory of general relativity and coined terms like “black hole.” Herbert Friedman (APS 1964) helped to develop X-ray astronomy for studying black holes and other phenomena.

Other APS Members worked with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to explore the great beyond from a closer distance. When Neil Armstrong (APS 2001) walked on the moon in 1969, he followed in Franklin’s footsteps, producing yet another giant leap for mankind.

black text on blue background with color photograph two men (including Neil Armstrong) presenting a prize to a woman at the APS in lower left corner