• Nasa released the first photographs from the Artemis II mission, showcasing an 'Earthset' and solar eclipse.
• The crew's images draw inspiration from the iconic Apollo 8 Earthrise shot of 1968.
• The astronauts completed a record-setting lunar flyby and are en route back to Earth.

Nasa has officially released breathtaking photographs taken by the Artemis II astronauts during their historic fly-by of the Moon. Among these images is a striking 'Earthset,' showcasing Earth dipping below the lunar horizon, echoing the iconic 'Earthrise' photo captured during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968. This modern photograph underscores the contrast between the beautiful, vibrant planet and the stark lunar landscape, emphasizing the moment's significance. The White House remarked, "First photo from the far side of the Moon," while showcasing the astronaut's achievements on social media, according to BBC and Channel News Asia.

The crew of four, which includes US astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Victor Glover, along with Canadian Jeremy Hansen, is currently on a mission that aims to pioneer future Moon landings by 2028. Following their lunar fly-by, during which they broke the distance record set by Apollo 13—traveling 406,771 kilometers (252,756 miles) from Earth—the astronauts are anticipated to splash down in the Pacific Ocean on Friday. During the fly-by, they experienced and documented vivid features of the Moon's surface and even witnessed a total solar eclipse, showcasing the unique perspectives gained from their mission, according to Los Angeles Times and South China Morning Post.

In addition to their photographic captures, the astronauts reported experiencing notable phenomena, such as meteor strikes on the lunar surface. "Humans probably have not evolved to see what we're seeing," remarked astronaut Victor Glover, reflecting on the awe of their observations. The Artemis II mission is part of a broader initiative that not only honors past achievements but also sets the stage for future explorations. The mission underscores the astronauts' historic roles, with Glover being the first person of color and Koch the first woman to orbit the Moon, as well as Hansen marking the first non-American to achieve this milestone, according to Le Monde.