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Artemis II just sent back stunning photos of our home planet

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As Earth’s 8 billion inhabitants look toward the sky for good wishes, the crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission is looking toward us with equal hope.

The mission’s Orion spacecraft sent back its first image of Earth yesterday, a beautiful shot of the crescent-shaped Earth peeking out from the dark expanse of space, and the crew has gifted us even more stunning high-quality images today.

A picture of the Earth. A shadow moves to the right so it is a crescent shape.

This black-and-white photo of planet Earth was taken by an optical navigation sensor on the exterior of the Orion spacecraft.
Credit: NASA

The new Artemis II images – along with the initial shots of the spacecraft passing Earth’s orbit, surrounded by bright, galactic ice – have stunned much of the public, bringing a flood of emotions as the astronauts look back home.

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Artemis II reached the point of no return. Next stop: the moon.

Crew of Artemis II – Commander Reed Wiseman, Mission specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, and pilot Victor Glover – the first woman and first black astronaut to walk on the Moon. For many, diverse teams represent the best that humanity has to offer, the pinnacle of human ingenuity and bravery.

“Trust us: You look amazing, you look beautiful, and from up here you look like a thing,” Glover said during a broadcast on Flight Day 2. “We are all one person.”

The historic, awe-inspiring mission to the Moon will take them farther than any human has ever been to space. Hopefully this will be the first in a series of efforts to get us back to the surface of the Moon and back to the Apollo era. And it’s just getting started.

NASA is sharing the photos on its website, where you can see more photos of Artemis II:

An Artemis II photo of Earth showing the African continent and the atmosphere around the planet

Say hello! Artemis II is watching us.
Credit: NASA/Reed Wiseman

Well, we’ve all been there. Blue marble. For those who need a little guidance: The large landmass you see in the middle-left is Africa. The thin line of green light flashing at the top right and bottom left? The Aurora Borealis is hovering above us Earthlings and lighting up our skies as Artemis II moves away.

Half of the Earth is seen floating in space through the open door of the Artemis II spacecraft.


Credit: NASA/Reed Wiseman

Take a look at this incredible shot of Earth through the Orion capsule window, which NASA posted along with a “Good Morning” greeting to the spacecraft’s inhabitants and the mission’s statewide teams.

Stay safe, Orion crew. We are all cheering you on.

Do you want to know where the Artemis II mission is now? Watch NASA’s live mission tracker.





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