The face of the moon: Buzz’s grin revealed 50 years on

IT’S a face that has been hidden for nearly 50 years – Buzz Aldrin smiling from behind the visor of his space helmet as he walks on the moon.

Aldrin was photographed by fellow astronaut Neil Armstrong moments after he planted the American flag into the lunar surface in July 1969.

But, until now, the picture from the first moon landing was lacking one significant detail – Aldrin’s face, obscured by his reflective visor.

That has been rectified by amateur photographer Andy Saunders, 45, using photo- enhancing technology. Mr Saunders, a property developer from Culcheth, Cheshi r e , has released the image, right, on the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing.

He said: ‘I wonder how many people would realise based on the original image that Buzz is visible. It must have been viewed billions of times. Although I’m the first to do it, it’s really not that technical. I just use photoprocessing equipment and dedication.

‘I use what is called dodging and burning. It essentially makes the lighter bit light and the darker bits dark. But nothing is copied into the photo. All the data is already there. I just enhance that.’

Earlier this year the property developer, from Cheshire, unveiled the first clear photo of Neil Armstrong stepping off Apollo 11 in Nasa video footage.

He said: ‘ They’re such famous photographs and to be able to see both their faces on the 50th anniversary is really quite something. Now you’re able to see the pair of them in space.’