Artemis 2 Astronauts Capture Unprecedented Lunar Views and Propose Crater Names

On April 6, the Artemis 2 mission's Orion spacecraft, carrying four astronauts, ventured to the moon's far side, initiating a 40-minute communications blackout with NASA at 6:44 p.m. Eastern time. The crew, having traveled a record 252,756 miles from Earth—surpassing Apollo 13's distance—became the first humans in over fifty years to enter lunar vicinity. During the flyby, they photographed never-before-seen lunar perspectives, as the moon's rotation keeps one hemisphere hidden from Earth. Astronomers note the blackout evokes historic Apollo mission tension. Upon reemerging, the astronauts witnessed a solar eclipse, observing micrometeoroid impact flashes, earthshine illuminating lunar features, and the sun's corona. They proposed naming two craters: 'Integrity,' after their spacecraft, and 'Carroll,' honoring commander Reid Wiseman's late wife, Carroll Taylor Wiseman. The International Astronomical Union will review these suggestions post-mission. Images released include Earth setting behind the moon at 6:41 p.m. Eastern time, crescent Earth views highlighting Australia and Oceania, and eclipse sequences showing Venus and lunar topography. Crew members used specialized equipment, such as camera shrouds and eclipse glasses, to document these phenomena. Astronaut Victor Glover remarked on the surreal experience, stating humans may not be evolutionarily prepared for such sights.