William Anders, the former Apollo 8 astronaut who took the iconic "Earthrise" photo, passed away at the age of 90 in a plane crash in Washington state. Anders was one of the first three people to travel to the Moon and his photograph of Earth from lunar orbit became one of the most iconic images of the 20th century.
Former Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders, who took the iconic "Earthrise" photo, tragically lost his life in a plane crash in Washington state on Friday, June 7, 2024. He was 90 years old. Anders was a decorated military pilot who served in the United States Air Force for over 30 years. He was selected as an astronaut in 1963 and became one of the first three people to travel to the Moon as part of the Apollo 8 mission in 1968.
During the Apollo 8 mission, Anders and his crewmates, Frank Borman and James Lovell, became the first humans to orbit the Moon. Anders took the "Earthrise" photo while the Apollo 8 spacecraft was in lunar orbit on December 24, 1968. The photograph captured a stunning view of Earth as a small, blue marble against the backdrop of the barren lunar landscape. The image became one of the most iconic photographs of the 20th century and helped to inspire the environmental movement.
After his retirement from NASA, Anders continued to serve his country as a member of the National Aeronautics and Space Council and the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. He was also a strong advocate for space exploration and education.
Anders' death is a great loss to the space community and to the world. He was a true pioneer who inspired generations of people to dream big and to explore the unknown. His legacy will live on through his iconic photograph and through the many lives he touched.
"Bill Anders was a true American hero," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "His iconic 'Earthrise' photograph changed the way we see our planet and inspired generations of explorers. He will be deeply missed."
"Bill Anders was a brilliant astronaut, a courageous pilot, and a wonderful friend," said former Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin. "He will be remembered as one of the greatest explorers of our time."
"Bill Anders was a pioneer who helped to shape the course of human history," said former President Barack Obama. "His photograph of Earth from the Moon is a timeless reminder of our place in the universe and the importance of protecting our planet."
William Anders' legacy is one of exploration, innovation, and inspiration. His iconic "Earthrise" photograph is a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our planet and the importance of protecting it. Anders' pioneering spirit and his dedication to space exploration will continue to inspire generations to come.
