NASA Artemis II Astronauts Capture First Photos of Earth Setting Behind Moon
NASA's four Artemis II astronauts captured the first photos from their moon flyby mission, including a stunning image of Earth setting behind the moon. The White House and NASA released the imagery from the crew aboard the Orion Integrity spacecraft during Monday's lunar flyby.
NASA's Artemis II crew made history by capturing breathtaking photos during their lunar flyby, including an "Earthset" image showing our planet disappearing behind the moon's horizon. The four astronauts aboard the Orion Integrity spacecraft took the photos during Monday's close approach to the moon.
The crew also photographed an "Earthrise" moment, showing Earth's crescent emerging from behind the moon's curved edge. These images echo the famous "Earthrise" photo taken by Apollo 8 astronauts in December 1968, though that historic shot showed Earth appearing rather than setting.
The Artemis II mission represents NASA's first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. The astronauts are not landing on the moon but are flying around it to test systems for future missions that will put boots back on the lunar surface.
NASA continues posting more images from the flyby on its Flickr account as they become available from the crew.
These photos mark humanity's return to lunar exploration after decades away from the moon. The images show what astronauts see during deep space missions and help build public support for NASA's plan to land people on the moon again.
NASA will release more photos from the mission as the crew continues their journey back to Earth.
Was this article helpful?
0 people found this helpful