Earthset and a solar eclipse: Nasa releases first images from Moon fly-by

Nasa has shared the initial images captured by Artemis II crew members during their lunar fly-by. The first photograph depicts an ‘Earthset,’ a moment when the astronauts saw Earth briefly appear over the Moon’s rugged terrain. The second image highlights a dramatic solar eclipse, where the Moon temporarily obscured the Sun. The agency did not specify which astronaut took the photos, as the crew is returning to Earth after the mission.

The Earthset image evokes memories of the iconic 1968 Earthrise photograph taken by Bill Anders during Apollo 8. That historic shot, which preceded the first moon landing, remains a powerful symbol of Earth’s fragility. The Artemis II view mirrors this, showcasing our planet against the vastness of space. Nasa noted that the Earthrise image was snapped through the Orion spacecraft window at 18:41 Eastern Daylight Time (23:41BST) on Monday.

During the six-hour fly-by, the crew experienced a radio silence phase as their capsule moved into the Moon’s shadow. This period added to the unique atmosphere of the mission. The solar eclipse, in particular, was a standout moment for the astronauts. Victor Glover, one of the crew members, described the event as ‘sci-fi’ and ‘unreal,’ emphasizing the surreal sight of the Sun’s corona.

“The Sun has gone behind the Moon and the corona is still visible, and it’s bright and creates a halo almost around the entire moon,” Glover said. “The Earth is so bright out there and the Moon is just hanging in front of us.”

Nasa’s description of the Earthrise photograph details the scene: the dark side of Earth was in nighttime, while clouds swirled over Australia and Oceania. The foreground features Ohm crater, which has terraced edges and a flat floor marked by central peaks. These peaks form in larger craters when the Moon’s surface, melted by impact, rises and solidifies.

The astronauts’ experience of the solar eclipse was a rare and striking phenomenon. As the Moon blocked the Sun, the corona became visible, creating a luminous halo. This moment, combined with the Earthset, offered a glimpse of cosmic beauty during their journey.