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

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

Washington, DC: Former astronaut William Anders, who captured the iconic “Earthrise” photograph from space during the Apollo 8 mission in 1968, has died in a plane crash in Washington state. He was 99 years old.

Anders was piloting a Cessna 185E single-engine plane when it crashed on Thursday, August 25, 2023, near Loon Lake, Washington. The plane was en route from Spokane to Port Angeles. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

“Earthrise” Photograph

Anders’ most famous photograph, “Earthrise,” depicts Earth rising over the lunar horizon from the perspective of the Apollo 8 spacecraft. The stunning image was captured on December 24, 1968, and became an instant symbol of the environmental movement. It was later featured on the cover of Life magazine.

Apollo 8 Mission

Anders was part of the three-man crew of the Apollo 8 mission, the first manned mission to orbit the Moon. The crew included Commander Frank Borman and Lunar Module Pilot James Lovell. The mission was a key milestone in the Apollo program, paving the way for the subsequent Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969.

Legacy and Impact

Anders’ “Earthrise” photograph is widely regarded as one of the most influential environmental images ever taken. It inspired generations to appreciate the fragility of our planet and the importance of conservation.

Anders’ death is a significant loss to the astronautics community and to the environmental movement. He will be remembered for his groundbreaking contributions to space exploration and for raising awareness about the beauty and vulnerability of Earth.