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Earth's Beauty: Iconic Photos From Space
22 Apr
Summary
- First photo of Earth from space taken in 1946.
- Apollo 8's 'Earthrise' photo inspired first Earth Day.
- Astronauts regularly capture stunning Earth imagery.
Earth Day, observed each year on April 22nd, is dedicated to environmental conservation and motivating planetary protection. Its origins trace back to 1970, significantly inspired by the iconic "Earthrise" photograph taken by Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders, showing Earth rising above the lunar horizon.
Throughout decades, both astronauts and robotic spacecraft have captured breathtaking images of our home planet. The earliest known photograph of Earth from space dates back to 1946, taken from a V-2 ballistic missile at an altitude of approximately 65 miles. Human exploration later contributed significantly, with the Apollo missions providing profoundly impactful views.
More recently, astronauts on NASA's Artemis II mission and those aboard the International Space Station, orbiting about 250 miles above Earth, continue to document spectacular imagery. These contemporary photographs echo the visual legacy established during the Apollo era, showcasing Earth's enduring allure from the cosmos.
