Earthset and a solar eclipse: Nasa releases first images from Moon fly-by
Earthset and a solar eclipse: Nasa releases first images from Moon fly-by
NASA has unveiled the initial images captured by Artemis II crew members during their lunar fly-by. The first photo displays an ‘Earthset’—a moment when Earth appears to set behind the Moon’s surface—as the astronauts observed our planet rising above the moon’s rugged terrain. A second image reveals the stunning solar eclipse, with the Moon casting a shadow over the Sun. The agency did not specify which astronaut snapped the photos, as the crew is now returning to Earth following the mission.
Historic parallels to Apollo 8’s iconic view
The Earthset image evokes the famed Earthrise photograph taken by Bill Anders on Apollo 8 in 1968. That historic shot, which showed Earth as a fragile blue sphere against the void of space, remains a celebrated environmental milestone. The new imagery, captured during a six-hour fly-by, includes a radio silence phase when the capsule was on the far side of the Moon, offering a unique perspective of Earth’s curvature.
Details of the Earthrise photo
NASA’s description of the Earthrise image notes it was taken through the Orion spacecraft’s window at 18:41 Eastern Daylight Time (23:41BST) on Monday. The photo captures Earth’s dark side in nighttime, while the illuminated region showcases swirling clouds over Australia and Oceania. In the foreground, Ohm crater is highlighted, featuring terraced edges and a flat floor interrupted by central peaks. These peaks form as the lunar surface, liquefied by impact, rebounds during crater creation.
“The Sun has gone behind the Moon and the corona is still visible, creating a halo around the entire moon. The Earth is so bright out there and the Moon is just hanging in front of us.”
Victor Glover, one of the astronauts, described the eclipse as ‘sci-fi’ and ‘unreal’, emphasizing the eerie beauty of the Sun’s corona. The event marked a standout moment of the mission, even as the crew navigated the challenges of space travel. The Earthrise photo, with its striking contrast between the vibrant blue planet and the Moon’s barren surface, continues to symbolize humanity’s connection to the cosmos.
