Buzz Aldrin, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

second man to walk on the moon among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
Buzz Aldrin »
See more news, pictures and video.

According to a top source, second man to walk on the moon Buzz Aldrin is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the astronaut's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 18/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Aldrin for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 96-year-old astronaut, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Aldrin so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the astronaut have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Glen Ridge Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Glen Ridge (Buzz Aldrin's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the astronaut was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Buzz Aldrin Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 17 Mar 2026
“Congrats! Buzz has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 17 Mar 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Buzz Aldrin?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 17 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Buzz Aldrin?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Buzz Aldrin: Recent News

 

page served in 0.038s (1,2)