Legendary Astronaut William Anders, Who Captured the Iconic Earthrise Photo, Dies in a Plane Crash

An Apollo Pioneer, Forever Remembered

William Anders, a pioneering astronaut who captured the iconic Earthrise photograph during the Apollo 8 mission, has sadly passed away in a plane crash in Washington State.

Anders, who was 90 years old at the time of his death, was part of the three-man crew that made history by becoming the first humans to orbit the Moon in 1968. His son, Greg Anders, confirmed the tragic news to CBS News, stating that the crashed plane belonged to his father.

As the Lunar Module pilot for Apollo 8, Anders played a pivotal role in the groundbreaking mission. On December 24, 1968, while orbiting the Moon, Anders snapped the Earthrise photograph, which became an unforgettable image of our planet as seen from space. The photograph, which was captured on Christmas Eve, showcased the Earth as a vibrant blue and white sphere, rising above the barren lunar landscape.

Anders' Earthrise photograph has since become one of the most iconic images in the history of space exploration, and its impact on environmental awareness cannot be understated. It has served as a powerful reminder of the fragility and beauty of our planet, inspiring generations to come.