Artemis II astronauts share stunning views of Earth on journey to the moon

Astronauts aboard Artemis II have captured striking images of Earth as they continue their historic journey toward the moon.

NASA released the crew's first transmitted photos yesterday, about a day and a half after launch — marking the first human mission toward the moon in more than 50 years.

One image, taken by mission commander Reid Wiseman, shows a curved section of Earth through the spacecraft window.

Another reveals the full planet, its blue oceans streaked with swirling white clouds and even a faint green aurora visible from space.

"It's remarkable to think that everyone on Earth, except the four astronauts, is captured in that image," said NASA official Lakiesha Hawkins, noting that the mission is progressing smoothly.

By Friday afternoon, the four-member crew — three Americans and one Canadian — had travelled more than 110,000 miles (180,000 kilometres) from Earth and were steadily closing in on the moon, with about 150,000 miles (240,000 kilometres) remaining. They are expected to reach the lunar vicinity on Monday.

Flying aboard the Orion spacecraft, the astronauts will circle the moon before making a return journey to Earth without landing. The spacecraft was set on its trajectory after a key engine burn shortly after launch.

Following a repositioning manoeuvre by Mission Control, the astronauts were treated to a breathtaking view of the entire Earth illuminated in their windows, complete with visible northern lights.

"It was the most spectacular moment, and it stopped all of us in our tracks," Wiseman said.

The mission marks humanity's first crewed lunar journey since Apollo 17 in 1972.