Earthset and a solar eclipse: Nasa releases first images from Moon fly-by

Earthset and a Solar Eclipse: NASA Unveils First Images from Moon Fly-by

NASA has shared the initial images captured by Artemis II crew members during their lunar fly-by. The first photograph captures an “Earthset,” where the astronauts briefly saw Earth emerging above a rugged lunar terrain. The second image highlights a dramatic solar eclipse, as the Moon obscured the Sun during their journey. The agency did not specify which crew member took the photographs, which were captured during their six-hour pass around the Moon.

The Earthset image evokes memories of the iconic Earthrise photo taken by Bill Anders on Apollo 8 in 1968. That historic shot, which showed Earth rising above the Moon’s surface, remains a symbol of environmental awareness. The current view of our planet against the vastness of space mirrors that powerful moment, offering a renewed perspective on Earth’s fragility. The photo was taken through the Orion spacecraft window at 18:41 Eastern Daylight Time (2341BST) on Monday, according to NASA’s description.

During the fly-by, the crew experienced a period of radio silence as their capsule orbited behind the Moon. The solar eclipse, however, was a notable event for the astronauts. “This continues to be unreal,” said Victor Glover. “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 also remarked on the brilliance of Earth, describing it as “the Earth is so bright out there and the Moon is just hanging in front of us.”

“The dark portion of Earth is experiencing nighttime. On Earth’s day side, swirling clouds are visible over the Australia and Oceania region,” NASA stated. “In the foreground, Ohm crater has terraced edges and a flat floor interrupted by central peaks. Central peaks form in complex craters when the lunar surface, liquefied on impact, splashes upwards during the crater’s formation.”

Victor Glover likened the eclipse to a “sci-fi” experience, emphasizing the surreal beauty of the event. The astronauts’ journey, which includes a return to Earth, has already provided moments of awe, with the eclipse standing out as a memorable highlight of their mission.