As the Artemis II astronauts flew around the moon, pilot Victor Glover described the incredible sights as “sci-fi.” He said, “You can actually see a majority of the moon,” as the crew witnessed meteors hitting the moon’s surface. This close view of the strange landscape highlighted the uniqueness of Earth.
After reconnecting with Earth, Christina Koch appreciated the lunar flyby but noted the comforts waiting for them back home. She said, “We will explore… but ultimately, we will always choose Earth.” Her feelings, shared by other astronauts, reflect a deep appreciation for our planet, known as the “overview effect.” This term, created by author Frank White in 1987, describes the change in perspective that happens when astronauts see Earth from space. They realise the planet is fragile and that the vast space around it is harsh.
Koch, who has also flown on the International Space Station, saw that our atmosphere supports life while everything outside it is hostile. She noted that borders and differences fade away, highlighting our commonality as humans.
Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut, agreed with Koch. He stated that we must always choose to protect our planet, as there is nowhere else for us to go. As they marvel at their experiences, the astronauts express a desire to be better caretakers of Earth.
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