The world continues to honor the legacy of William Anders, the Apollo 8 astronaut whose ‘Earthrise’ photograph became emblematic of our planet’s beauty and vulnerability. Anders, aged 90, tragically died on Friday when his small plane crashed into the waters off the coast of Jones Island in San Juan Channel, Washington state. His body has since been recovered by a dive team, bringing closure to the immediate search and rescue efforts.Greg Anders, the astronaut’s son, confirmed his father’s passing, expressing the family’s deep sense of loss and remembering him as an exceptional pilot. Anders’ death has elicited tributes from around the world, including from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, who praised Anders’ contributions to space exploration and his role in providing humanity with a new perspective on Earth.Anders’ storied career included a 26-year tenure in the U.S. Air Force and pivotal roles at NASA, where he was not only an astronaut but also an engineer and an ambassador for space exploration. His ‘Earthrise’ photo, captured during the first manned mission to orbit the Moon, has been lauded as one of the most important images in modern history and a catalyst for the environmental movement.As the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration delve into the investigation of the crash, the space community and admirers worldwide reflect on Anders’ indelible impact. His journey from the Earth to the Moon and back again has inspired countless individuals to look beyond our horizons and strive for the stars.
Key points
- Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders, known for the iconic ‘Earthrise’ photo, died at 90 in a plane crash.
- The crash occurred on Friday, and Anders’ body has been recovered by a dive team off the coast of Jones Island.
- NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and the global community paid tribute to Anders’ profound contributions to space exploration.
