The Artemis II crew captured this view of Earth setting on April 6, 2026, as theyflew around the Moon. As the astronauts flew over the Moonโs far side, the crew photographed and described terrain features including impact craters, ancient lava flows, and surface cracks and ridges formed as the Moon slowly evolved over time. They also noted differences in color, brightness and texture, which provide clues that help scientists understand the composition and history of the lunar surface.The image is reminiscent of the iconicEarthriseimage taken by astronaut Bill Anders 58 years earlier as the Apollo 8 crew flew around the Moon. The Apollo 8 mission was the first crewed spacecraft to circumnavigate the Moon.
For more imagery from the mission, visit ourArtemis II Multimedia Page.
Image credit: NASA