Buzz Aldrin hardly faced so many cameras when he took his historic walk on the moon almost 40 years ago to the day.

The celebrated astronaut met hundreds of fans - some old enough to clearly remember the moon landing and some young enough to still dream of becoming astronauts - tonight at Borders at South Coast Plaza.

Aldrin has been on a tour promoting his latest book, “Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon.” His children’s book “Look to the Stars” was also released last month.

For about half an hour, Aldrin, wearing a blue Apollo 11 jacket and a space-themed tie, discussed stories from his newest book and took questions.

One woman asked if he was afraid while he was walking on the moon.

“It’s kind of late to be sensing fear,” Aldrin, 79, said, provoking laughter. “Combat fighter pilots don’t have fear. At least we don’t show it.”

The former Orange County resident also talked about his struggle with alcohol, his commitment to his wife, Lois, and his views on the U.S. space program.

Then he faced the task of signing hundreds of books and paraphernalia.

James Faber of Mission Viejo carried a poster of Aldrin and astronauts Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins that he bought for $3 in 1969, a month after the moon landing.

The poster stayed on his wall for 25 years until he passed it down to his son, Jim, 16, who dreams of becoming an astronaut.

“I just like the mystery of space and thinking of what’s up there,” Jim Faber said.

Aldrin lived with his wife in Laguna Beach for 15 years about 10 years ago. They now live in Los Angeles although he said he misses the proximity to the beach from his Emerald Bay home.

In addition to sharing his book, he has been advocating his space exploration plan called Buzz Ways to Mars, rapping with Snoop Dogg and posting updates on Twitter.

And people are listening.

“I wanted to meet one of the most important contemporary men in the world,” said Bradley Hovda of Costa Mesa, who was 9 at the time of the moon landing. “He accomplished great things, and he’s articulate about his human experience.”

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