Washington Plane Crash: Ex-astronaut William Anders of Iconic ‘Earthrise’ Photo Dies

Washington Plane Crash: Ex-astronaut William Anders of Iconic ‘Earthrise’ Photo Dies

Keywords: William Anders, Moon Landing, Earthrise, Apollo 8 Mission, Plane Crash

Former astronaut William Anders, who was part of the Apollo 8 mission that captured the iconic “Earthrise” photograph, has passed away at the age of 93.

On December 24, 1968, Anders, along with astronauts Frank Borman and Jim Lovell, became the first humans to orbit the Moon. During the mission, Anders took the now-famous Earthrise photo, which shows the Earth rising above the lunar horizon. The image has become an iconic symbol of the fragility and beauty of our planet.

After his historic spaceflight, Anders continued to serve NASA in various roles, including as the agency’s deputy administrator. He was also an advocate for space exploration and environmental protection.

On Friday, July 15, 2023, Anders was involved in a plane crash in Washington state. The small plane he was flying crashed in a remote area near Winthrop, killing both Anders and his passenger, Peter Siegel.

Anders’ death has been met with tributes from around the world, including from NASA and former astronauts. He is remembered as a pioneer of space exploration and an inspiration to generations.

The Earthrise photo, which Anders helped create, remains a poignant and powerful reminder of our place in the cosmos. It continues to inspire awe and wonder in people around the world.