Trending Now - NASA Reveals Stunning Artemis II Images for Earth Day
WHO:
PetaPixel - NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated, “On Earth Day, we are reminded of the extraordinary responsibility we share to understand our planet.”
PetaPixel - Nicky Fox, associate administrator of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, commented, “Our four Artemis II astronauts — Reid, Victor, Christina and Jeremy — took humanity on a journey that showed us just how special and bright our Earth is.”
WHAT:
PetaPixel - NASA released a series of previously unseen photos of Earth taken by the Artemis II astronauts.
PetaPixel - The main photo shows the terminator across Earth, captured on April 2nd, 2026.
9to5Mac - An iPhone video captured Earthshine from the Orion spacecraft during the mission’s second day, showing astronaut Christina Koch illuminated by sunlight reflected off Earth.
WHERE:
9to5Mac - The video was taken from the Orion spacecraft, which was approximately 33,800 miles (54,500 km) away from Earth.
WHEN:
PetaPixel - Earth Day was celebrated on April 22nd, 2026.
PetaPixel - The photos were taken during the Artemis II mission, specifically on April 2nd, 2026.
9to5Mac - The iPhone video was captured on April 21st, 2026, during the mission’s second flight day.
WHY:
PetaPixel - The release of the photos coincided with Earth Day to inspire awareness and responsibility towards understanding the planet.
HOW:
9to5Mac - The Artemis II crew utilized iPhones to capture photos and videos during their mission around the Moon.
(UPDATED April 23, 2026 21:18 UTC)
NASA has released a stunning series of previously unseen photos of Earth taken by the Artemis II astronauts, coinciding with Earth Day celebrations on Wednesday. The main photo features the terminator across the planet, captured April 2nd, while an iPhone video shows astronaut Christina Koch illuminated by sunlight reflected off Earth, filmed from the Orion spacecraft about 33,800 miles away on Tuesday. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman emphasized the shared responsibility to understand our planet, and associate administrator Nicky Fox highlighted how the mission showcased the beauty of Earth.