The stunning images from NASA's Artemis II mission over the Moon 08.04.2026

On the night of April 6-7, 2026, the Artemis II crew made history by flying within 6,545 kilometers of the Moon, marking the first human lunar proximity in over 53 years. During this flyby, the four astronauts observed 30 lunar sites, including impact basins and maria, primarily on the near side due to the waning gibbous phase. While not scientifically groundbreaking, these observations served as crucial training for future surface missions. The crew also detected six brief flashes from meteorite impacts on the unlit far side and proposed naming two unnamed craters "Integrity" and "Carroll." Reaching a maximum distance of 406,771 kilometers from Earth, the crew captured striking images of the lunar surface, revealing its darker, rougher terrain and the complex relief illuminated by low-angle sunlight.

















