William Anders, retired astronaut and photographer of one of the most influential images of Earth seen from space, died at 90 years old last Friday when the plane he was piloting crashed in the waters of the San Juan Islands, in the state of Washington.
Anders, who was part of the Apollo 8 mission, was the author of the iconic photograph known as ‘Earth Rise’which captured the planet as a blue marble floating in the darkness of space in 1968.
Retired Major General He always considered this photograph to be his most significant contribution to the space program.. Beyond his role in ensuring the operation of the Apollo 8 command module and service module, the image he took from space became a powerful symbol for the global environmental movement.
The ‘Rise of the Earth’ It was the first color image of our planet seen from space and played a crucial role in changing human perspective on the Earth’s fragility and loneliness in the cosmos.
The relevance of this photograph transcends space exploration; He is credited with inspiring global awareness about the need to protect our environment.
The image has been widely recognized and celebrated for its impact in raising awareness environmental and in the motivation of the first major campaigns for the conservation of the planet.
The tragic accident that took Anders’ life occurred while he was flying solo near the San Juan Islands, a region known for its natural beauty but also for its challenging aerial conditions.
A historic astronaut
William A. Anders, an indelible name in the history of space exploration, left an indelible mark on humanity with his journey aboard the Apollo 8. On December 24, 1968, Anders, along with his colleagues Frank Borman and Jim Lovell, became one of the first humans to orbit the Moon.
During a live broadcast from space on Christmas Eve, Anders read from the Book of Genesis, providing a moment of reflection and wonder to the audience on Earth.
One of the most memorable moments of this mission was when Anders captured the iconic photograph known as ‘Earthrise’.
This image, showing the blue Earth rising above the gray surface of the Moon, became a symbol of the environmental movement, highlighting the fragility of our planet in the vast immensity of space. Anders described the Earth seen from space as “a fragile Christmas tree ornament,” lamenting that we do not treat it with the care it deserves.
Anders’ contribution to space exploration was recognized in 2018 when the International Astronomical Union named lunar crater ‘Anders’ Earthrise’ in his honor.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson praised Anders, stating that he had “offered humanity one of the most profound gifts an astronaut can give” and that his perspective from the threshold of the Moon helped us all see each other. ourselves in a new way.
Who was William A. Anders?
Born in 1933 in Hong Kong to a military family, Anders grew up in El Cajon, San Diego, and graduated from the Naval Academy. He was commissioned into the Air Force and retired as a major general, although his passion for flying continued long after his space career.
After his mission on Apollo 8, Anders forged a notable executive career in both the public and private sectors. He served as executive secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council, commissioner of the Atomic Energy Commission, and president of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
It was also ambassador to Norwayvice president of General Electric and executive vice president of Textron Inc. In the 1990s, Anders was president and CEO of General Dynamics, where he oversaw major adjustments at the defense contractor.
In 1996, together with his wife Valerie, co-founded the Heritage Flight Museum in Burlington, Washington. Anders and his son Greg, who is now the museum’s executive director, performed flight demonstrations at this location, celebrating their passion for aviation.
Anders and his wife divided their time between Washington and San Diego, and had six children and more than a dozen grandchildren.
William A. Anders was not only a space pioneer, but also a visionary whose life and work continue to inspire future generations, reminding us of the importance of valuing and protecting our fragile planet.
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