
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
The Artemis 2 crewmembers captured a spectacular view of Earth setting behind the moon through the window of their Orion spacecraft on Flight Day 6 of NASA's historic 10-day mission, as they passed over the far side of the lunar surface. They called it "Earthset," in reference to the iconic image captured by Bill Anders on Christmas Eve in 1968 during the Apollo 8 mission.
What is it?
The photo was captured at 6:41 p.m. EDT (1041 GMT) on April 6, as the majority of Earth's surface was veiled in shadow from the perspective of the Artemis 2 crew. Just a crescent of our planet could be seen illuminated by direct sunlight, revealing white clouds swirling over Australia and Oceana.
Countless craters can be seen scarring the moon's ancient surface, including the 40-mile-wide (64-kilometer-wide) expanse of Ohm Crater, which can be seen close to where the lunar horizon meets the shadowed night side of Earth. The crater features a prominent central peak and a sloping "terraced" rim.
NASA's Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch and the Canadian Space Agency's Jeremy Hansen — the crew of the Orion spacecraft they named "Integrity" — witnessed Earth slip silently from view shortly after, as they passed over the far side of the moon.
They would later experience a planned 40-minute communications blackout while traveling beyond the range of NASA's relay satellites. But then, they witnessed an iconic "Earthrise" even more similar to what Anders saw in the 60s, as our Blue Marble emerged from behind its natural satellite.
The most detailed Artemis SLS Lego set, this adult-aimed model has 3,601 pieces and stands 28-inches (71 cm) tall. We thought "Lego has knocked it out of the park" in our full build review. Don't forget about the newer, more compact and much cheaper Lego Technic SLS set, only $60, also 'launches' with some clever Technic moving parts.
Later that day, the crew would be treated to one of the rarest sights in human history, a total solar eclipse witnessed from a free-flying spacecraft, as Orion's trajectory placed the moon between the NASA spacecraft and our parent star.
Want to know more? Then be sure to stay up to date with the latest news with our Artemis 2 liveblog. You can also find out what the Orion crew will be getting up to over the rest of their 10 day lunar trip with our day-by-day breakdown of the trailblazing mission, which has seen humans travel farther from Earth than ever before.
LATEST POSTS
- 1
The most effective method to Execute a Lung-Solid Eating routine After a Cellular breakdown in the lungs Finding - 2
Find the Historical backdrop of the Modern Unrest: Changing Society and Innovation - 3
Divorce filings, feuds and legal trouble: The 'Mormon Wives' drama keeps piling up - 4
How stripping diversity, equity and inclusion from health care may make Americans sicker - 5
Jill Hennessy was a '90s TV staple. Now she's in her fearless era.
The most effective method to Guarantee Thorough Inclusion in Senior Protection.
My daughter is in the #1 movie in the country. She still has to finish her math homework.
100 new alien worlds: Scientists find hidden haul in data from NASA exoplanet-hunting spacecraft
General Atlantic says ‘biggest mistake’ would be pulling back on Gulf deals
Interpreter Starts Sobbing as 11-Year-Old Testifies About Last Time He Saw His Mom Before She Was Killed in Missile Strike
Most loved Amusement Park for Small children: Which One Do You Suggest?
James Webb Space Telescope spies mysterious high-energy radiation in star nursery
What's an atmospheric river? AP explains the weather phenomenon
German Cabinet advances bill to cut greenhouse emissions from fuels













