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 the Artemis II crew during their recent Moon fly-by. The photographs depict two striking scenes: one captures the Earth as it appeared over the moon’s rugged terrain, while the other showcases a dramatic solar eclipse, with the Moon temporarily obscuring the Sun. The agency has not disclosed which astronaut snapped the images, as the crew is currently on their way back to Earth following the mission’s lunar pass.

The Earthset image evokes memories of the Apollo 8 mission’s iconic Earthrise photograph, taken by Bill Anders in 1968. That historic shot revealed Earth as a fragile blue sphere against the vastness of space, and its impact on environmental awareness remains profound. The new image, taken during a six-hour fly-by, includes a moment of radio silence when the spacecraft was positioned behind the Moon, adding to its uniqueness.

Nasa provided context for the Earthrise photo, noting it was captured through the Orion spacecraft’s window at 18:41 Eastern Daylight Time (2341BST) on Monday. “The dark side of Earth is in nighttime, while clouds swirl over the Australia and Oceania region on the sunlit side,” the agency explained. It also highlighted the geological features of Ohm crater, describing its terraced edges and central peaks formed by the moon’s surface melting and rising during impact.

“This continues to be unreal,” Victor Glover remarked. “The Sun has gone behind the Moon and the corona is still visible, and it’s bright and creates a halo almost around the entire moon.” He added, “The Earth is so bright out there and the Moon is just hanging in front of us.”

For the astronauts, the solar eclipse during the fly-by was a standout moment. Glover compared the sight to something out of science fiction, emphasizing the ethereal glow of the Sun’s corona. Such experiences underscore the awe-inspiring nature of space exploration, even as the crew continues their journey home.