Earthset From the Lunar Far Side - NASA Science
Summary: This image captures a crescent Earth setting behind the cratered lunar horizon, as observed by the Artemis II crew during their lunar flyby on April 6, 2026.
Captured on April 6, 2026, by the crew of NASA’s Artemis II mission, this photograph depicts an 'Earthset'—a phenomenon where Earth appears to sink below the lunar horizon. The image highlights the stark, heavily cratered surface of the Moon's far side against the blackness of space, with a partially illuminated crescent Earth visible in the upper-left corner. This event occurred during the mission's seven-hour flyby, providing a modern perspective reminiscent of the iconic 1968 Apollo 8 'Earthrise' photographs.
Document outline
1. Introduction to the Artemis II lunar flyby 2. Description of the Earthset phenomenon 3. Technical details of the image capture (April 6, 2026) 4. Contextual comparison to Apollo 8 Earthrise 5. Mission resources and additional imagery
