NASA Releases First Photos from Artemis II Moon Flyby
NASA has published the initial photographs captured by the Artemis II astronauts during their fly-by of the Moon.
The first image depicts an 'Earthset,' showing the astronauts' view of Earth peeking beyond the cratered lunar surface.
The second photograph captures the remarkable solar eclipse experienced by the crew as the Moon obscured the Sun.
NASA has not disclosed which astronaut took these photographs during their return journey to Earth following the fly-by.
The photos were taken during a six-hour flyby, which included a period of radio silence while the spacecraft was positioned behind the Moon.
Details of the Earthset Photograph
According to NASA's description, the Earthrise photograph was taken through the Orion spacecraft window at 18:41 Eastern Daylight Time (2341 BST) on Monday.
"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 of the image, Ohm crater is visible, characterized by 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."
This release marks an important milestone in the Artemis II mission, providing unique visual perspectives from the crew’s lunar flyby.
