General William Anders, the astronaut who captured the now-iconic “Earthrise” photograph during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968, passed away on Friday, June 7th, 2024. He was 90 years old.
He was 90. His son, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Greg Anders, confirmed the death to The Associated Press. “The family is devastated,” Greg Anders said. “He was a great pilot and we will miss him terribly.”
William Anders said the photo was his most significant contribution to the space program, given its ecological and philosophical impact and that it ensured he was in command of Apollo 8.
William Anders was 90 years old doing tricks in 70 year old plane. He went out like a fucking king! 🫡
pic.twitter.com/N5imE8sfU6— Mac Arthur 🇰🇿 (@DoctorMacArthur) June 8, 2024
Apollo 8: A Bold Mission into the Unknown
In 1968, Anders was selected as a crew member for the Apollo 8 mission. This daring mission, the first to orbit the Moon, was a critical test of the Apollo spacecraft and the procedures required for the lunar landing. The three-man crew – Anders, Frank Borman, and James Lovell – spent 20 tense hours orbiting the Moon and navigating an environment completely unknown to humanity.
They performed critical maneuvers, tested the spacecraft’s systems, and collected important data that would be vital to the success of Apollo 11 and future lunar missions. But Anders’ most important contribution to the mission, and perhaps to space exploration itself, occurred in a moment of unexpected beauty.
When the spacecraft emerged from the far side of the moon on its tenth orbit, the crew was greeted with a breathtaking sight: Earth rising above the lunar horizon.
The view was so awe-inspiring that Anders couldn’t help but grab his Hasselblad camera and take a picture. The image, now known as “Earthrise,” became an instant sensation.
The Earthrise Photograph by William Anders
The Earthrise photo wasn’t just a pretty picture of space. It showed Earth as a small blue ball, all alone in the giant emptiness. This picture made people everywhere realize how beautiful and special our planet is, and how easily something could happen to it.
Even though countries weren’t getting along back then, this photo reminded everyone that we’re all on the same Earth, and we need to take care of it together.
It showed how important it is to work together on things like space travel and protecting our environment, not fighting.
This picture is still important today. It reminds us to protect Earth for our kids and grandkids. It’s like a message saying we should stop arguing and work together to make sure Earth stays healthy for everyone.
Death of William Anders felt by World
The death of William Anders marks the end of an era of space exploration. He was a pioneer who paved the way for the moon landing and beyond.
But more importantly, he is the man who captured images that forever changed our view of our place in the universe. The “Earthrise” photograph is a lasting testament to Anders’ legacy.
It is a reminder of the breathtaking beauty of our Earth and our responsibility to protect it. As we continue to explore space, William Anders’ contributions will continue to inspire future generations of space explorers and environmental activists.
More Than Earthrise: A Storied Career
After Apollo 8, Anders served as deputy director of the Nuclear Propulsion Office at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He later became the first vice chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force Eastern Test Range in Florida. Anders retired from the Air Force in 1977 to pursue a successful career in business.
But his legacy will forever be linked to the photograph Earthrise. In a 2018 interview, Anders reflected on the impact of the photograph, saying, “It wasn’t planned, but it became one of the most influential photographs ever taken.”
