Apollo 8 Astronaut Who Took Iconic "Earthrise" Photo Dies in Plane Crash

The world mourns the loss of Bill Anders, the Apollo 8 astronaut renowned for capturing one of the most iconic images of the space age — the "Earthrise" photo. 

Anders, who passed away at the age of 90, died in a tragic plane crash off the coast of Washington state. 

The small plane he was piloting, a Beech A45, went down near Roche Harbor on San Juan Island at about 11:40 a.m. local time, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration and his son, Greg Anders. 

Efforts to recover his body were ongoing, with the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board investigating the incident.

Bill Anders was born on October 17, 1933, in Hong Kong and had a distinguished career in both the U.S. Navy and Air Force before joining NASA's astronaut program in 1964. 

His extensive flying experience, totaling over 6,000 hours, was a testament to his skill and dedication. 

Anders' significant contributions to space exploration included his role as a lunar module pilot for the historic Apollo 8 mission and as a backup pilot for the Gemini XI and Apollo 11 flights.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson paid tribute to Anders, highlighting his journey "to the threshold of the Moon" and his role in showing humanity a profound perspective of Earth. 

Anders' photograph, taken on Christmas Eve 1968 as Apollo 8 orbited the Moon, offered a first-of-its-kind view of Earth suspended in the vastness of space. 

The image, known simply as "Earthrise," became a powerful symbol of the environmental movement and a reminder of Earth's fragility.

In a NASA oral history interview, Anders reflected on the impact of seeing Earthrise. 

He described the home planet as a "very delicate, colorful orb," resembling a Christmas tree ornament against the stark lunar landscape. 

This moment of awe and realization underscored the significance of the Apollo 8 mission, which not only marked the first time humans left Earth's orbit but also completed 10 orbits around the Moon, paving the way for the Apollo 11 moon landing.

The daring nature of the Apollo 8 mission is well-recognized among space historians and insiders. 

Launching atop the powerful Saturn 5 rocket and venturing into lunar orbit was a monumental achievement. 

Anders, along with his fellow astronauts Frank Borman and Jim Lovell, embarked on a journey that showcased humanity's potential for exploration and discovery.

Reflecting on the mission's significance, Anders acknowledged its historic importance while also recognizing the groundbreaking achievement of the Apollo 11 landing. 

His humility and perspective highlighted the collective accomplishments of the Apollo program, emphasizing that both missions were significant milestones in space exploration.

Bill Anders' legacy extends beyond his contributions to space travel. 

His iconic "Earthrise" photograph continues to inspire and remind us of our shared responsibility to protect our planet. 

As we remember Anders, we celebrate his remarkable life and the profound impact of his work on our understanding of Earth and the universe.a