Iconic 'Earthrise' Photographer's Tragic Passing
Astronaut William Anders, the legendary pilot who captured the iconic 'Earthrise' image during the Apollo 8 mission, has tragically passed away in a plane crash at the age of 90. The incident occurred on June 7th, 2024, off the coast of Jones Island, near Washington state, where Anders was piloting a small aircraft.
Anders' son, Greg Anders, expressed the family's profound sense of loss, stating, "He was a great pilot and we will miss him terribly." The former astronaut's remarkable achievements and their lasting impact on the world make this a truly heartbreaking loss.
During the historic Apollo 8 mission in December 1968, Anders and his crewmates, Frank Borman and James Lovell, became the first humans to leave Earth's orbit and travel to the Moon. It was during this mission that Anders captured the breathtaking 'Earthrise' image, which has since become one of the most iconic photographs in history.
The 'Earthrise' image, depicting our planet rising over the lunar horizon, is credited with sparking the global environmental movement by showcasing the fragility and beauty of our home planet. Anders' powerful photograph offered a new perspective on Earth, inspiring generations of astronauts, scientists, and environmentalists to cherish and protect our world.
Senator Mark Kelly, a retired NASA astronaut, paid tribute to Anders, stating, "Bill Anders forever changed our perspective of our planet and ourselves with his famous Earthrise photo on Apollo 8. He inspired me and generations of astronauts and explorers. My thoughts are with his family and friends."
The legacy of William Anders will forever be etched in the annals of space exploration and human history. His extraordinary contribution to our understanding of our planet and its place in the cosmos will continue to inspire and guide us, even in the wake of this tragic loss.
