On Christmas Eve during their 10 orbits of the moon, the Apollo 8 astronauts captured a now-iconic photo known as “Earthrise.” Major Anders shot the photo in color, showing Earth rising over the lunar horizon as a blue marble in the darkness of space. This image shook the world and became a symbol of the beauty and fragility of our planet. It was featured on a postage stamp in 1969, inspired the first Earth Day in 1970, and appeared on the cover of Life magazine’s book “100 Photographs That Changed the World.”
In a recorded conversation onboard the spacecraft just before capturing the Earthrise photo, the astronauts could be heard expressing their awe at the sight. Major Anders requested a roll of color film to capture the image, while Lovell and Borman marveled at the view. The astronauts were moved by the beauty of Earth from their vantage point on the moon, and the photo they took would go on to have a lasting impact on environmental awareness and activism.
Major Anders reflected on the significance of the Earthrise photo in a 2015 interview with Forbes magazine. He highlighted how the image pointed out the beauty and fragility of our planet, helping to kickstart the environmental movement. However, he expressed surprise at how the public seemed to have forgotten the astronauts behind the photo and their historic voyage to the moon. He noted that what is now most remembered about the Apollo 8 mission is the iconic Earthrise picture, rather than the astronauts who captured it.
As they concluded their Christmas Eve telecast, the Apollo 8 astronauts read from the first passage in the Book of Genesis. This act emphasized the awe and wonder they felt at witnessing Earth from the moon, as well as their appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our planet. The astronauts’ experience of seeing Earthrise firsthand had a profound impact on their understanding of our world and the importance of environmental stewardship.
The Earthrise photo remains a powerful and enduring symbol of the beauty and fragility of our planet. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and the need to protect and preserve our environment for future generations. The Apollo 8 mission, and the astronauts who were part of it, played a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and the need to care for our planet. The image of Earthrise continues to inspire and evoke a sense of unity and reverence for the Earth and all its inhabitants.
