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How do we know that man went to the Moon? The Herald explains

Published

2 years ago

May 21, 2024

EVERY single argument claiming that NASA faked the Moon landings has been discredited. But even today, 50 years later, people discuss conspiracy claims online, on television programmes and around the dinner table.

Herald moon fact: With a powerful amateur telescope, you can see the Apollo landing sites and, if you look at the photos from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, you can spot the remnants of the Apollo missions yourself.

Were the Moon landings faked?

If you find yourself in a debate questioning whether humankind first stepped on the Moon on 20 July 1969, the chances are that you are woefully underprepared. Most people take it as gospel that the US government, NASA, the 12 astronauts in total who have walked on the Moon, and the 400,000 people involved in the Apollo programme would have neither the will nor the way to fake one of humanity’s greatest ever achievements.

But there are those who think the landings were a hoax. They claim the US government faked Apollo 11 and later missions either to deal a crucial blow to the USSR in the Space Race, or to boost NASA funding, or to divert attention away from the Vietnam War. The argument for any of these viewpoints rests on finding evidence that the landings were faked.

And more often than not, people point out peculiarities in specific images or videos to deal the critical blow. If someone uses these oddities as evidence, what do you say? Here are the most common arguments that support this view, and why each of them is wrong.

Evidence of the moon landings include items left there, reflectors installed on the surface, and lunar rocks brought back to Earth.

Photographic evidence

One of the most popular conspiracy arguments is that there are never any stars in Apollo photos. Free from Earth’s light pollution and hazy atmosphere, you would expect to see thousands of stars in all the astronauts’ images. Unfortunately, this argument rests on the photos being snapped during the lunar night. All manned missions to the Moon took place in sunny daytime. This meant starlight lost the battle against the very bright surface of the Moon, too dim to show up in photos.

Another common argument is that the crosshairs that appear in many Apollo images sometimes appear to be behind objects in the photos. If the images were real, this would be impossible, suggesting someone painted them on. But testing here on Earth has shown that the brightly lit objects make the crosshairs appear fainter. When these images are copied or scanned some of this detail is lost completely, giving the effect that the crosshair is behind the object in certain shots.

Others point to an oddity in a photo of a Moon rock taken during the Apollo 16 mission. There appears to be a ‘C’ written on it, like a lettered movie prop. Again, analysing the original photo there is no anomaly – the ‘C’ isn’t there. Most likely it was a piece of hair or thread introduced during copying.

A more subtle argument that the landings were faked is based on various misunderstandings of NASA equipment and lunar physics. A well-known example is the American flag that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin placed on the Moon. It appears to flutter in the wind in some photos. How could this happen when the Moon has no wind?

In fact, it isn’t fluttering at all. A horizontal rod at the top of the pole holds the flag unfurled. This makes it look like the wind is stopping it from hanging down. And there is a fluttering effect because the weak gravity on the Moon is not strong enough to uncrumple the flag. After a little waving while the astronauts planted the flags into the Moon’s surface, they have remained still ever since.

Fried by radiation

Perhaps the most convincing argument that the landings were faked has to do with something called the Van Allen belts. These are two giant doughnut-shaped belts surrounding the Earth. They are made of highly energetic charged particles from the solar wind. Some people believe humans couldn’t have passed through these belts without being exposed to lethal doses of radiation.

This was a genuine concern before the Apollo missions. And it is the reason scientists behind Apollo 11 made sure they protected the astronauts as best they could. They insulated the spacecraft from radiation with an aluminium shell. And they chose a trajectory from the Earth to the Moon which minimised the amount of time spent in the Van Allen belts.

Readings from the nine Apollo missions that reached the Moon showed the astronauts’ average radiation exposure was 0.46 radiation-absorbed dose (rad). This proved NASA was right to shield the astronauts from radiation. Though it’s less than that experienced by some nuclear energy workers, 0.46 rad is around 10 times more than the radiation exposure of medical professionals who routinely work with x-ray and radiotherapy machines.

Proof we walked on the Moon

Of course, until we return to the Moon there will always be anomalies and oddities in the records that can spark new claims that the Moon landings were faked. But it is the sheer size and variety of this record that proves every one of these claims to be false.

From the Apollo Moon missions, there are 8,400 publicly available photos, thousands of hours of video footage, a mountain of scientific data, and full transcripts and audio recordings of all air-to-ground conversations. We even have 382 kilograms of Moon rock that Apollo astronauts brought back to Earth. These rocks have been independently verified as lunar by laboratories around the world, ruling out a US conspiracy.

If this is not enough to convince the most hardened sceptic, NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) might sway them. Today, LRO takes high-resolution pictures of the lunar surface from a low orbit. During its mission, it has captured the landing sites and the abandoned descent modules and rovers from the Apollo missions. And its resolution is so good it has picked up the dark squiggly paths that the astronauts’ footprints made. Spacecraft from China, India and Japan have also spotted these landing sites, providing further independent verification of the landings.

A final nail in the coffin of the Moon hoax theories is a simple instrument installed 50 years ago by Apollo 11. During their day on the Moon, Armstrong and Aldrin planted a lunar laser ranging retroreflector array on the surface. It’s still operational today and allows us to reflect lasers off of it and measure the distance to the Moon down to the centimetre. We simply couldn’t do this if we hadn’t visited the Moon.

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Sir David’s 100th birthday marked with call for kindness to animals

Published

9 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOLLY Farm has joined animal attractions across the UK in celebrating Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, with school visits, staff quizzes, new conservation signage and even a newborn alpaca named in his honour.

The much-loved broadcaster turns 100 on Friday (May 8), and the Pembrokeshire attraction said his lifelong work had inspired many of its own keepers and staff to care about endangered species and habitats.

***School children from Monkton School celebrate Sir David’s birthday at Folly Farm (Pic: Suppled)***

As part of the celebrations, Folly Farm welcomed pupils from Monkton Priory CP School in Pembroke, who spent time with conservation officer Jack learning about endangered and vulnerable animals, including lions, penguins and rhinos.

The pupils also gathered to sing Penblwydd Hapus to Sir David.

The attraction has also installed a new sign at the entrance to its zoo featuring one of Sir David’s best-known conservation messages: “No one will protect what they don’t care about, and no one will care about what they haven’t experienced.”

Folly Farm said one of its favourite tributes was the naming of a newborn alpaca cria, born on World Earth Day, April 22. The new arrival has been named David Alpacanborough.

***Celebrations at Folly Farm (Pic: Folly Farm)***

The zoo also held staff quizzes, created photo areas with a life-size cut-out of “Sir Dai”, and joined other BIAZA zoos and animal attractions in marking the milestone.

Folly Farm said: “Marking Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday is about more than photos and quizzes. It’s about acknowledging what his life’s work has achieved.

“Every time a child meets an animal up close, asks a question, or sings Penblwydd Hapus to a conservation hero, a seed is planted.

“Every time a keeper chooses this career path because of a documentary they watched growing up, that influence is still working quietly in the world.”

***Sir David filming with puffins in Pembrokeshire***

The Pembrokeshire celebrations come as the RSPCA urges the public to mark Sir David’s birthday by taking part in its Summer of Kindness campaign.

The charity is encouraging people to carry out seven simple acts to help animals, including planting flowers for pollinators, making bee drinking stations, feeding hedgehogs, helping pets in hot weather, organising litter picks and creating a basic rescue box for injured small wildlife.

The RSPCA said summer can be a difficult period for animals, with cruelty reports often rising during the warmer months. Last summer, the charity received 34,401 cruelty calls to its emergency line, up by a third on the previous year.

RSPCA wildlife expert Rebecca Machin said: “Sir David Attenborough has inspired generations to fall in love with animals and he has been a lifelong advocate for wildlife.

“His passion, care and voice for conservation has encouraged millions of people, including many across the RSPCA, to dedicate their lives to helping animals.

***Sir David with Jan Mathias, owner of Monk Haven Manor guest house in St Ishmaels***

“As Sir David celebrates this milestone birthday, we’re also celebrating his legacy in changing the way the world sees wildlife, and the importance of animal welfare.

“By taking on seven kind acts for animals as part of our Summer of Kindness, people can give David the best birthday present, by helping animals of every kind, and helping us build a better world for every animal.”

The campaign has particular resonance in Pembrokeshire, where wildlife is central to the county’s identity, from Skomer’s seabirds and coastal habitats to garden birds, hedgehogs, pollinators and farmland species.

The RSPCA’s suggested acts include planting nectar-rich flowers such as lavender, sunflowers and wildflowers, avoiding pesticides, leaving wild patches of grass, putting shallow water dishes out for bees and wildlife, and never leaving pets in cars on warm days.

Rebecca Machin added: “Positive change often starts with simple, everyday actions.

“From helping keep local communities clear of litter, to providing water and safe food for visiting wildlife, we can all get involved in making a big difference for animals.”

Folly Farm added: “If we can keep that sense of awe alive, keep telling the stories of endangered species, and keep making small, steady changes to protect the environment, then we’re doing our bit to carry his legacy forward.

“So, from all of us here, to the man who brought the natural world into our living rooms and into our hearts, happy 100th birthday, Sir David. Thank you for everything.”

Community

Foster carers share powerful breakthrough moments

Published

10 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE foster carers have spoken about the small but powerful moments that show children in their care are beginning to feel safe, supported and able to trust again.

The comments have been shared as part of Foster Care Fortnight, the UK’s largest annual campaign to raise awareness of fostering, which runs from Monday, May 11 to Sunday, May 24.

This year’s theme, This is Fostering, focuses on the real experiences of foster carers and the vital role they play in helping children recover from trauma.

For many children who enter care, trauma can lead to anxiety, emotional shutdown, intense reactions, difficulties with boundaries, or problems following rules.

A national survey commissioned by Foster Wales found that around 80% of carers questioned had supported children showing behaviour of this kind.

However, half of those surveyed said they had seen a meaningful breakthrough within the first six months.

These moments can be simple, such as a child laughing, talking about their day, asking to watch a film, or opening up about something that has happened to them.

But for foster carers, they can mean much more. They are often signs that a child is beginning to feel safe, loved and supported.

Almost all carers questioned, 93%, said that with experience, support and professional guidance, they now feel confident responding to trauma-related behaviour.

Pembrokeshire foster carer Lynda, who has been fostering for just over a year, said: “In the beginning, I struggled with my confidence. The child pushed boundaries constantly, fought every option and often wasn’t living in reality. It was difficult to know whether what I was doing was making any difference at all.

“I made it clear through my actions that no matter what happened, I would always be there for them. I praised positive behaviour, set clear boundaries and stuck to them, always explaining why those boundaries were there, particularly around safety. I learned to wait until we were both calm before talking things through.

“The moment that really showed me things were beginning to change was when she opened up about her past and the trauma she had been through. We cried together and hugged. That was the moment I knew she felt safe enough to trust me.

“When you realise you’ve made that connection, it’s the best feeling in the world. Every child wants to feel loved and safe, and once that starts to happen, the rewards are huge.”

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Head of Children’s Services, Chris Frey-Davies said: “Foster carers across Pembrokeshire provide stability, care and understanding to children who have often experienced difficult and traumatic circumstances.

“This survey highlights the importance of local support, training and guidance in helping carers respond confidently to children’s needs over time. The breakthrough moments described by carers, while often small, show that children are beginning to feel safe and supported.

“At Foster Wales Pembrokeshire, we remain committed to supporting our foster carers throughout their fostering journey, ensuring they have access to the help they need to make a lasting difference.”

In Wales, there are 7,200 children in care. Of these, 4,884 live with foster families, supported by 3,538 foster carers.

Foster Wales is the national network of not-for-profit local authority fostering services in Wales.

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer can find out more at fosterwales.gov.wales.

This Foster Care Fortnight, the local Foster Wales team will be at Tenby Leisure Centre on May 11 from 11:00am to 5:00pm; Haverfordwest Leisure Centre on May 12 from 10:30am to 1:00pm; Haverfordwest Library on May 12 from 3:00pm to 4:30pm; Milford Haven Library on May 14 from 10:00am to 1:00pm; Milford Haven Leisure Centre on May 14 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm; Tenby Leisure Centre on May 18 from 11:00am to 5:00pm; Haverfordwest Leisure Centre on May 21 from 10:30am to 2:00pm; and Fun in the Park at Pembroke Dock Memorial Park from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

Community

Game of Thrones Jerome Flynn call to stop DARC space radar

Published

19 hours ago

May 7, 2026

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

GAM OF THRONES star Jerome Flynn has called for the controversial DARC ‘space radar’ scheme at Pembrokeshire’s Cawdor Barracks to be halted.

In an application recently submitted to Pembrokeshire county Council following a public consultation, the Ministry of Defence wants to install 27 radar antenna and a long list of associated works at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy for a worldwide network of sensors called the Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) to track active satellites and other objects which would utilise three sites worldwide, part of the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, in the USA, the UK and Australia “enabling 360-degree coverage of the sky at all times of day and under any weather conditions”.

In late 2023, Cawdor Barracks was identified as the preferred UK site by the-then UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps.

A supporting statement says of the DARC scheme: “This capability is critical to protect and defend the services provided by satellites, ensuring continuity and resilience against collisions or debris-related incidents.

“Without DARC, the UK faces a significant risk of losing access to these vital services, which would have severe consequences for national security, economic stability, and public safety.”

It says the scheme would create 90 full time equivalent construction jobs, and, when operational, will result in the creation of 60 full time equivalent jobs including operation, maintenance and security staff.

St Davids City Council members recently unanimously opposed the pre-application consultation proposals, and public objectors have raised concerns with protests recently taking place outside the barracks and County Hall, Haverfordwest, and Labour Senedd candidate Eluned Morgan has called for the scheme to be put on hold while Donald Trump is President of the USA.

Pembrokeshire-based Jerome Flynn, who was first famous for his roles in Soldier Soldier, Robson & Jerome and more recently Game Of Thrones has entered the fray surrounding the controversial DARC Radar via a social media video.

In the video Flynn describes voting in the upcoming Senedd election as; “probably the most crucial vote we’ve made in 25 years”, saying that whoever gets into the Senedd will have the power to block DARC Radar, referring to the project as “the most unspeakably abominable planning application led by the US military, backed by Donald Trump to place 27 radar dishes right on the edge of our beloved coastal national park”.

Campaigners against the scheme, PARC Against DARC said: “Whichever party or parties form the next Senedd administration following Thursday’s election will have at their disposal a mechanism known as ‘Calling in’ the planning application.”

Any ‘calling in’ could mean the final decision on the DARC scheme is made by Welsh Government.

Campaigners have previously warned that if built, DARC radar would make Pembrokeshire a first priority military target and would give Trump and the US the capability to dominate space from Wales.

“With a Chinese government-aligned source calling DARC a ‘significant escalation’, the US in yet another illegal war this time in Iran, and DARC confirmed by the US as the ground radar part of a weapons system designed to target space assets, there’s little sign DARC would be for anything else but fuelling decades of US aggression that Wales should have no part of.

“This time they’re trying to use our peninsula to weaponise space, as if Earth isn’t already weaponised enough.”

The DARC application will be considered by county planners at a later date.