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Smithsonian Shows Neil Armstrong's Gloves, Visor

CHANTILLY, Va. (AP) -- Neil Armstrong's space suit gloves and visor worn during his historic first walk on the moon are going on temporary display at the Smithsonian Institution following the pioneering astronaut's death.

The protective visor and gloves are usually kept in storage. They were designed to address the hazards of working on the lunar surface. Armstrong's helmet had two visors for moon walks, one with a gold reflective coating for UV protection and one with thermal protection.

The Apollo 11 artifacts were placed on public view Tuesday at the National Air and Space Museum's Udvar-Hazy Center in northern Virginia. They will be exhibited for two weeks in a special display case.

Next week, NASA will hold a public memorial service at the Washington National Cathedral on Sept. 13 to honor Armstrong.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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