Space & Astronomy

Earthset: Artemis II offers a breathtaking window on our world

By T.K. Randall
April 8, 2026

Image: Earthset
Credit: (PD) NASA In what could be argued was a generation-defining space mission, Artemis II showed us this week that the sense of wonder achievable through venturing out into the cosmos is still alive and well.

Four astronauts - Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen - became the first humans to orbit the Moon since 1972 and also set a record for the furthest distance from the Earth that any humans have ever reached.

During their closest approach of the Moon, the crew spent several hours painstakingly observing and photographing the lunar surface from their unique vantage point aboard the Integrity spacecraft.In addition to experiencing a solar eclipse with the Moon blocking out the Sun from their position, they were able to capture images of a unique phenomenon - Earthset - a poignant view of the Earth setting behind the Moon, the type of image that just isn't possible to capture from anywhere else.

Now, as the four lunar explorers make their way back home (a journey of some 250,000 miles), it's hard to imagine how they might reflect on such a remarkable excursion into the final frontier.

The data and images they collected will keep scientists busy for years and it is hoped that Artemis II will be followed up in the near future by Artemis III and Artemis IV.

Far from being a once-in-a-lifetime event, this mission will hopefully just be the first step in a bold new era of manned space exploration - turning what was once science fiction into stark reality.

Source: BBC News

Tags: Moon, Earth, Artemis