Apollo v Artemis: How Earth changed in 58 years 19.04.2026

Fifty-eight years after the iconic Apollo 8 mission captured the "Earthrise" photo, the Artemis II crew has recreated a similar image, dubbed "Earthset," revealing significant environmental changes to our planet. The 1968 "Earthrise" image galvanized the environmental movement, showcasing Earth's unique color against the desolate lunar backdrop. In contrast, the recent "Earthset" photo, taken on April 6, 2026, highlights alterations due to climate change, with experts noting a one-third rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide and at least 1°C global temperature increase since the original photo. Visible changes include rapid warming of the Antarctic Peninsula, with 28,000 km² of ice shelf collapse, and dramatic decreases in seasonal sea ice and snow cover, largely attributed to human activities.

















