Earthset captured by Artemis 2 crew

Astronauts witness a total solar eclipse during mission

The crew of the Artemis 2 mission captured a stunning view of Earth setting on April 6, 2026, while orbiting the Moon—a moment that evokes a historic milestone in space exploration.

During their pass over the Moon’s far side, the astronauts documented a variety of terrain, including impact craters, ancient lava flows, as well as surface cracks and ridges formed over millions of years of lunar evolution.

They also observed clear differences in color, brightness, and texture—key indicators that help scientists better understand the Moon’s surface composition and geological history.

The images echo the famous “Earthrise” photo taken by astronaut Bill Anders 58 years ago during the Apollo 8 mission, the first manned orbit of the Moon, which paved the way for a new era of space exploration.

A second image shows a dramatic solar eclipse, witnessed by the astronauts as the Moon completely blocked the Sun.

NASA has not revealed the identities of the crew members who took these photos as they returned to Earth after their lunar flyby.