Image source, NASA
Apollo 8 astronauts captured a unique photograph of Earth in 1968 known as the ‘Earthrise.’ In 2026, Artemis astronauts took a similar iconic photo of our planet. Comparing these two images reveals the diverse changes our blue planet has undergone.
Apollo 8 commander Frank Borman was amazed when, in 1968, he first saw the lunar surface’s upper terrain through the spacecraft window, marvelling at its strange appearance.
In an interview he gave in 2018, Borman said, “The moon’s surface showed craters from meteorite impacts and remnants of volcanoes. The colors were brown, black, or white. There was no real color on the moon’s surface, and the view was quite desolate.”
But after completing the fourth orbit around the moon, an unexpected scene unfolded.
Borman said, “Looking up, Earth was clearly visible rising from the lunar surface, and Bill Anders took the photograph, which is probably one of the most significant images ever.”
“Earth was the only object in the entire universe with any color. It was a stunning sight. We who live on this planet are indeed fortunate.”
The ‘Earthrise’ photograph became one of the most widely reproduced images ever, inspiring viewers to see our planet against the stark lunar surface and vastness of space, and it helped initiate Earth Day celebrations starting in 1970.
Fifty-eight years later, NASA astronauts captured another impressive Earth photograph set against the moon’s backdrop, called ‘Earthset,’ depicting Earth as it appears setting. Earlier this month, during the Artemis II mission, the crew took a new photo of our fragile blue planet amid the vastness of space.
(The specific astronaut who took the photo is unknown since the four-member crew collectively holds the rights without individual claims.)
Image source, NASA
Geographically, fifty-eight years is not a very long time, yet climate change has brought significant transformations to Earth’s surface over the past six decades. Experts note that differences between the ‘Earthrise’ and ‘Earthset’ images effectively illustrate the changes evident between then and now.
Interestingly, no one at NASA had planned to capture the original Earthrise photo.
“They might have taken that photo purely by chance, right?” said Cian Proctor, pilot of the first full “citizen mission” named Inspiration. “Apollo 8 altered how we view our planet, and that perspective remains crucial, as it continues to inspire.”
Following the Artemis launch, I asked during a press conference about plans to take a new Earthrise photo, and NASA made it clear this time they would make no mistakes.
“We will do everything possible to make that happen,” said Larry Glaze, director of the Exploration Systems Development Mission.
Image source, NASA
The Earthset photo was taken on April 6th at 18:41 Eastern Daylight Time (23:41 BST) through the window of the Orion spacecraft during a seven-hour orbit around the moon.
“Sunlight illuminated Earth’s shell, showing white clouds over Oceania and blue water, with nighttime in the darkened portion. The moon’s surface, craters, and basins are also visible in this photo,” NASA stated.
Compared to 1968, by 2026 numerous satellites capture thousands of daily images of Earth.
These satellites measure oceans, land masses, and ice layers using various methods to monitor ongoing changes on the planet. These images aren’t directly visible to us.
Similarly, continuous video feeds from the International Space Station and robotic spacecraft capturing perspectives of Earth from the moon and beyond provide additional insights.
However, the ‘Earthset’ photo stands apart as it was taken directly by astronauts.
Craig Donlon, head of European Space Agency’s upcoming satellite programs, says, “Photos taken by people give us a different perspective.”
“Human-taken photos are carefully framed and focused. These pictures selected consciously or subconsciously by astronauts carry emotion, evoking awe at the small, beautiful Earth we call home. That is the essence.”
Because of their human connection, the ‘Earthrise’ and ‘Earthset’ images are not only iconic but also reveal environmental changes on Earth over those 58 years.
Richard Allan, climate science professor at the University of Reading, UK, explains, “Since Earthrise, atmospheric carbon dioxide has increased by about a third and global temperatures have risen rapidly—at least one degree Celsius.”
“Human activity has altered land surfaces, transforming our planet visibly from space: expanding cities, dark forests turning into bright agricultural lands, and the drying up of the Aral Sea, which is now less than 10% of its 1960s size.”
Though Earth is often covered by clouds, some changes are visible in these images.
Benjamin Wallis, glaciologist at Leeds University, UK, notes, “While these photographs show various regions, the common element in both is Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.”
“The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the Earth’s most rapidly warming areas, with 28,000 square kilometers of ice having melted.”
Studies show that recent changes in Antarctic ice over the last 10,000 years are unprecedented. Similar effects are seen in other cryosphere regions, where water remains frozen.
Petra Heil, science director at the British Antarctic Survey, states, “We are witnessing dramatic changes today.”
“We have observed significant reductions in seasonal sea ice in both hemispheres, earlier snowmelt, and shortened snow cover periods across North America, Eurasia, and Asia.”
“Based on observations and numerical models, I estimate that 90 to 95 percent of these changes are caused by human activity,” Heil notes.
While these trends are alarming, it is important to remember that damage to our planet was already visible in the 1968 view from space.
Kathleen Rogers, president of the Earth Day Network, observes, “Earthrise revealed Earth’s beauty and the harm it was suffering.”
“I recall the time — during Los Angeles rush hour, smog would obscure even nearby streets, and our rivers were polluted.”
“From afar, Earth looks whole and beautiful; up close, you can see 150 years of progress or damage,” Rogers said.
Frank Borman passed away in 2023, but his Apollo 8 mission legacy lives on, and his words remain relevant for the new generation of lunar explorers: “I believe we will go to the moon and enjoy seeing Earth from there, but many have not yet given that much consideration.”
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