#earthset

The Artemis II crew captured this view of an Earthset on April 6, 2026, as they flew around the Moon. The image is reminiscent of the iconic Earthrise image taken by astronaut Bill Anders 58 years earlier as the Apollo 8 crew flew around the Moon. The Apollo 8 mission was the first crewed spacecraft to circumnavigate the Moon.

A New View of the Moon

"Earth sets at 6:41 p.m. EDT, April 6, 2026, over the Moon’s curved limb in this photo captured by the Artemis II crew during their journey around the far side of the Moon. Orientale basin is perched on the edge of the visible lunar surface. Hertzsprung Basin appears as two subtle concentric rings, which are interrupted by Vavilov, a younger crater superimposed over the older structure. The lines of indentations are secondary crater chains formed by ejecta from the massive impact that created Orientale.

The dark portion of Earth is experiencing nighttime. On Earth’s day side, swirling clouds are visible over the Australia and Oceania region."

Credit: NASA

Date: April 6, 2026

Only one chance in a lifetime… and this is it. 🌍🌙

From orbit, Earth doesn’t rise — it sets. Captured by Reid Wiseman aboard the Artemis II mission, this raw “Earthset” feels like watching sunset… from the edge of existence.

While Christina Koch fires off pro shots and crewmates take it all in, a simple phone captures something deeper: how small we are… and how breathtaking our home truly is.

This isn’t edited. This isn’t staged. This is perspective.

Earthset', 6 April 2026 seen from lunar orbit,

The Moon eclipses the Sun, a view few humans have ever witnessed