Artemis 2 Releases 12,000-Photo Timelapse of Earth and Auroras From April Moon Flight
Updated
Updated · Space.com · May 11
Artemis 2 Releases 12,000-Photo Timelapse of Earth and Auroras From April Moon Flight
4 articles · Updated · Space.com · May 11
A new Artemis 2 timelapse draws from 12,000 archive photos to show Earth rotating in and out of darkness, with satellites gliding above the planet’s rim and auroras glowing at the edge.
Four astronauts captured the imagery during the mission’s April 1-10 flight around the moon, the first crewed journey beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972.
One standout image from the archive was the crew’s April 6 “Earthset” shot, taken during a far-side lunar flyby and showing a thin crescent Earth above the moon’s surface.
Artemis 2 is part of NASA’s lunar return program, with Artemis 3 now slated for a 2027 low Earth orbit docking test and Artemis 4 eyed for a possible 2028 moon landing.
Can NASA overcome huge technical hurdles to land humans on the moon by its 2028 deadline?
With the Lunar Gateway suddenly scrapped, how will NASA's new moon plan appease its blindsided international allies?
NASA Publishes Artemis II’s 2026 Lunar Mission Photos: New Insights and Public Engagement from Historic Flyby
Overview
In April 2026, the Artemis II mission marked a historic milestone as four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft completed the first crewed lunar flyby since Apollo, journeying around the Moon’s far side. The mission’s main goals were to test Orion’s systems, validate key procedures, and gather vital data for future deep-space missions. In May 2026, NASA released a stunning collection of high-resolution photos from Artemis II, allowing the public to explore breathtaking lunar views and mission highlights. These images not only inspire people worldwide but also provide valuable scientific insights for planning future lunar exploration.