The Astronaut's Old Clothes

{image via Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum collection}

Have you ever heard the phrase, "the clothes make the man?" While education, experience and passion for space are all important aspects in the career of an astronaut, you can't get very far without the proper wardrobe. There's a neat interactive feature on the New York Times website that gives you a chance for a closer look at many different articles of clothing and gear used by NASA scientists.

Some of the items shown have never been to space, such as prototypes and test suits. Others played a much more important role, including the Apollo AL-7 suit worn by Buzz Aldrin when he stepped onto the moon. Some of these suits are on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, but if you can't visit there anytime soon, hop over to the NY Times feature and take a look. Click on any part of the image to zoom in and explore.

If you were designing a spacesuit, what would it look like? What features would you include? What color would it be? It's fun to think about!

Buzz Aldrin makes Dancing With the Stars Debut

Dear Friends of Janet's Planet:

As someone who had the honor to meet and speak with Buzz Aldrin about STEM education and Janet's Planet last fall, I am encouraging you to vote for him as he competes on "Dancing With The Stars."

Even at 80, his mission is still to encourage the investigation of our planet's place in the universe.


Janet Ivey, Buzz Aldrin, Lois Aldrin, and Steve Duensing
Blues Ball in Memphis in December 2009

Janet's Planet and the National Space Society wishes Apollo 11 astronaut, and NSS Governor, Buzz Aldrin, great success in his latest adventure. As the next installment in his tireless efforts to raise public awareness of and support for the future of our nation's space program, Buzz is trading in his moonwalking shoes for dancing shoes. By participating in the new season of Dancing with the Stars, Buzz (and the National Space Society along with him) will have a national audience, and a national stage from which to speak. Get additional information at buzzaldrin.com.