⏰ when
When Was the First Photo of Earth Taken From the Moon?
spacephotography
Quick Answer
Lunar Orbiter 1 captured the first photo of Earth from the Moon's vicinity on 23 August 1966.
The Full Story
On 23 August 1966, NASA's robotic Lunar Orbiter 1 spacecraft captured the first photograph of Earth as seen from the Moon's orbit. The iconic "Earthrise" photo, taken by astronaut Bill Anders during Apollo 8 on 24 December 1968, is far more famous and is credited with galvanising the environmental movement. Seeing Earth as a fragile blue marble against the blackness of space profoundly shifted public awareness about the planet's vulnerability.
Key Facts
1.The Apollo 8 Earthrise photo was taken in colour on Hasselblad film.
2.Anders later said, "We came all this way to explore the Moon, and the most important thing is that we discovered the Earth."
3.Lunar Orbiter 1's image was in black and white and less detailed.
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Earthrise — The Photo That Changed How We See Our Planet"