Former Astronaut William Anders, Capturer of Iconic Earthrise Photo, Dies in Plane Crash

Former Astronaut William Anders, Capturer of Iconic Earthrise Photo, Dies in Plane Crash

Washington, D.C. – William Anders, the former NASA astronaut who captured the iconic Earthrise photograph during the Apollo 8 mission, has passed away in a plane crash in Washington state. He was 85 years old.

Anders was a crew member on the Apollo 8 mission in 1968, which became the first human-crewed flight to orbit the Moon. During the mission, Anders snapped a breathtaking photograph of Earth rising over the lunar horizon, which has since become one of the most recognizable images in the history of space exploration.

After retiring from NASA, Anders served as a consultant on environmental issues and played an active role in promoting science education. He was also an outspoken advocate for the importance of space exploration and for the preservation of the Earth’s environment.

The plane crash occurred on Friday, December 5, near Squaxin Island, Washington. Anders was piloting the small aircraft when it crashed into Puget Sound, killing him and his passenger, Lois. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

Anders’s passing is a significant loss for the space exploration community and for the world. His iconic photograph and unwavering advocacy for science and the environment have inspired generations. He will be remembered as a pioneer in the field of space exploration and a passionate advocate for the preservation of our planet.

Keywords:

William Anders
Apollo 8
Earthrise
Icon
Space exploration
Environmental advocate