Buzz Aldrin auctioning off a few items he took to the moon: See list

Today, Wednesday, July 20, is International Moon Day. Exactly 53 years ago, on July 20, 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon. The two reached the surface in their Apollo 11 lunar module.

Even after more than half a century the romance of that journey still linger and the memorabilia connected with it still fetches some value. Sotheby’s is set to auction off a few items from Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon.

Coverall: The items also include Aldrin's coverall - made from fireproof material - from the moon journey, which according to Sotheby's, could fetch bids over $2 million.

Felt pen: The items include a felt tip pen which the legendary astronaut used to mend a broken switch on the lunar module to take him and Armstrong safely back to earth.

This is how the story goes: The switch was crucial for the lander to ignite. While Mission Control searched for a solution, Aldrin pulled out his pen, fitted into the hole of the broken switch, and got the engine to start. The two astronauts safely started their way home.

Both the felt pen and the circuit breaker, which were in Aldrin's personal collection, go under the hammer.

Buzz Aldrin, now 92, is the only one still alive among the three in the first lunar journey. Neil Armstrong died in 2012, Michael Collins died in 2021.

The items will be sold in the Buzz Aldrin: American Icon sale on 26 July 2022.