Astronauts on a recent mission have captured a new image of Earth from space, offering a fresh perspective on how the planet has changed since the iconic 1968 “Earthrise” photograph.
The original image was taken during the Apollo 8 mission, when astronaut Bill Anders photographed Earth rising above the Moon’s surface. The image, later named “Earthrise”, became one of the most reproduced photos in history and helped inspire the environmental movement, including the launch of Earth Day in 1970.
More than five decades later, astronauts on the Artemis II mission captured a similar image, now referred to as “Earthset”, showing the planet against a barren lunar landscape. Experts say the new image reflects major environmental changes over the past 58 years.
Scientists note that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have risen significantly and global temperatures have increased by at least 1°C since the original image was taken. Visible changes include shrinking ice in Antarctica and other regions, with large portions of ice shelves lost over the decades. Researchers also point to expanding cities, deforestation and changes in land use as factors altering the planet’s appearance from space.
Despite the time gap being short in geological terms, scientists say human activity has driven most of these changes.