NASA Releases Unseen Artemis II Earth Photos for Earth Day
In celebration of Earth Day on April 22, NASA unveiled never-before-seen images of Earth taken by the Artemis II crew during their groundbreaking journey to the Moon's far side. These photographs were taken on April 2, 2026, from the Orion spacecraft as the astronauts made their way toward the Moon. One notable image depicts the terminator, the boundary separating night from day on Earth. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted the agency's dedication to Earth science, asserting that such missions provide essential data for communities, agriculture, and disaster response. Nicky Fox, the associate administrator of the Science Mission Directorate, remarked that the Artemis II astronauts—Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy—captured stunning views, including an 'Earthset' that echoes the iconic 1968 'Earthrise' photo by Apollo 8 astronaut Bill Anders, which inspired the inaugural Earth Day. Fox also mentioned that these high-definition images will guide future Artemis missions.
Key facts
- NASA released unseen Artemis II photos of Earth on April 22, 2026, for Earth Day.
- The photos were taken on April 2, 2026, from the Orion spacecraft.
- One image shows the terminator line across Earth.
- NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman highlighted Earth science mission benefits.
- Nicky Fox referenced the Artemis II crew: Reid, Victor, Christina, and Jeremy.
- The images include an 'Earthset' view from the Moon's far side.
- Bill Anders' 1968 'Earthrise' photo helped spark the first Earth Day.
- The photos will inform future Artemis lunar missions.
Entities
Artists
- Bill Anders
Institutions
- NASA
- Science Mission Directorate
- NASA Headquarters
Locations
- Washington