Apollo 8 Astronaut William Anders Dies, Leaving Behind Iconic Earthrise Photograph

Tragic Loss of a Visionary

The space community is mourning the loss of William Anders, the former Apollo 8 astronaut who captured the iconic Earthrise photograph. Anders passed away in a plane crash at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

The First Earthrise

On December 24, 1968, Anders, along with fellow astronauts Frank Borman and Jim Lovell, became the first humans to witness the Earth rising over the Moon. The photograph he took from the Apollo 8 spacecraft, known as "Earthrise," has become one of the most iconic images in human history.

Anders' photograph captured the fragility and beauty of our planet, and it helped to spark the environmental movement. It also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth.

A Life of Exploration

Anders was born in Hong Kong and raised in California. He earned a degree in nuclear engineering and served in the U.S. Air Force before joining NASA in 1963.

In addition to his historic Apollo 8 mission, Anders also served as a backup astronaut for the Apollo 11 mission, which landed the first humans on the Moon. After retiring from NASA, he worked as an environmental advocate and author.

A Lasting Legacy

Anders' legacy will live on through his iconic photograph and his lifelong dedication to space exploration and environmental protection. He will be remembered as a visionary pioneer who helped to shape our understanding of our place in the universe.