Home / Science / Artemis II Echoes Apollo 8: New Moon Photos Released
Artemis II Echoes Apollo 8: New Moon Photos Released
7 Apr
Summary
- Artemis II astronauts released new photos from lunar orbit.
- Images include Earthset and a total solar eclipse.
- The mission is a step towards a future lunar landing.
The Artemis II mission astronauts have unveiled striking new photographs taken during their recent lunar flyaround, echoing the historic "Earthrise" image captured by Apollo 8 in 1968. The crew observed and photographed Earth setting behind the moon, an event they titled "Earthset."
In addition to the "Earthset" view, the astronauts documented a total solar eclipse from lunar orbit, showcasing the moon obscuring the sun. These images are now being meticulously analyzed by scientists at Mission Control in Houston.
This mission represents NASA's crucial first step in returning astronauts to the moon, with the ultimate goal of achieving a lunar landing within the next two years. The four-person crew is currently heading back to Earth for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Friday.
