An Australian software engineer has unearthed a missing word from Neil Armstrong’s famous first phrase when he set foot on the moon in 1969.
Due to the wonders of 1960’s technology, the world heard: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
In actuality, Armstrong said: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”
The additional “a” had been left out for over 35 years until it was reported that programmer Peter Shann Ford was able to graphically illustrate the missing letter using audio software that is usually reserved for disabled people who can communicate with computers using nerve impulses, according to a CNN report.
Armstrong had been questioned by some historians, according to CNN, for not clarifying between “man” and “mankind.” This new evidence shows that the distinct clarification may indeed have existed.
Will people be willing to accept this new change? Despite the lack of clarification, “one small step for man” has been an item of American history for years and is a phrase known by every grade-schooler in this country. Evidence that shows this pop/science culture icon may be different than originally known may prove fruitless if people are not willing to amend their perception of history they have grown to know and love.