Earthrise

Earth rising above the lunar horizon as photographed during NASA's Apollo 8 mission — NASA, Apollo 8 mission (December 24, 1968). Source: NASA Earthrise image archive.

Earthrise is a photograph taken by astronaut William Anders during NASA's Apollo 8 mission on December 24, 1968. It shows Earth appearing over the Moon's horizon and became one of the most recognized space photographs ever made.

The image helped millions of people see Earth as a single, shared world floating in space. Historians and environmental writers often describe Earthrise as a turning point in public awareness about the planet's fragility and the importance of stewardship.

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