In brief
NASA has shared remarkable photographs taken by the Artemis II astronauts during their recent lunar fly-by. The first image captures an 'Earthset' with Earth peeking over the Moon's horizon, while the second highlights a solar eclipse experienced as the Moon obscured the Sun. The images resonate with historical significance, echoing the iconic 'Earthrise' photograph from the Apollo 8 mission. Astronaut Victor Glover described the experience as 'sci-fi' and 'unreal,' further emphasizing the breathtaking nature of the views encountered.
NASA has released the first photographs taken by the Artemis II astronauts during their fly-by of the Moon.
The first image shows an 'Earthset' as the astronauts glimpsed our home planet peeking out beyond a cratered lunar landscape.
The second photograph shows the spectacular solar eclipse, where the astronauts witnessed the Moon blocking out the Sun.
Nasa did not specify which astronaut captured the stunning images. Notably, the Earthset photo draws parallels to the historic 'Earthrise' photograph from Apollo 8 in 1968, highlighting the vulnerability of our planet against the vastness of space.
During a six-hour flyby, including a radio blackout period as they traversed behind the Moon, the astronauts shot these images. NASA described that the Earthrise photograph was taken from the Orion spacecraft's window on Monday at 18:41 EDT.
The view portrays a part of Earth in night, contrasted with swirling clouds over Australia and Oceania. The prominent Ohm crater, with its terraced edges and flat floor, can also be seen in the foreground.
Moreover, the experience of witnessing a solar eclipse when the Moon obstructed the Sun was highlighted by astronaut Victor Glover, who called it 'sci-fi' and 'unreal'. He described the brilliant Earth glowing in the backdrop against the Moon.
These captivating images embody not just a scientific achievement but also serve as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet.
