{"id":803455,"date":"2026-08-23T06:30:32","date_gmt":"2026-08-23T11:30:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/?p=803455"},"modified":"2026-08-23T06:30:32","modified_gmt":"2026-08-23T11:30:32","slug":"1st-photo-of-earth-from-the-moon-60-years-ago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/spaceweekly.com\/?p=803455","title":{"rendered":"1st photo of Earth from the moon 60 years ago"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n<\/p>\n
\nLunar Orbiter 1 captured this 1st photo of Earth from the moon on August 23, 1966. See a version of this image restored with modern photographic techniques, below. Image via NASA\/Lunar Orbiter 1.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
You deserve a daily dose of good news.<\/strong> For the latest in science and the night sky, subscribe to EarthSky\u2019s free daily newsletter.<\/p>\n
1st photo of Earth from the moon<\/h3>\n
On August 23, 1966<\/strong>, Lunar Orbiter 1 took the 1st-ever photo of the Earth from the moon. It shows half of Earth, shot with 1960s technology, seen from the moon\u2019s distance of 236,000 miles (380,000 km). And in the image, you can see the Earth from Istanbul to Cape Town with areas east shrouded in night. The image isn\u2019t very detailed. But it\u2019s mind-boggling to think about. What a contrast with NASA\u2019s recent Artemis 2 mission that sent astronauts to orbit the moon for the first time in over 50 years! See Artemis 2 images here.<\/p>\n
Lunar Orbiter 1 was one of five Lunar Orbiters that NASA sent to the moon in the 1960s. The Lunar Orbiter\u2019s priority was to take photographs of the moon. That\u2019s because NASA was preparing for the first manned Apollo mission, which came three years later. Read about the Lunar Orbiter missions, 1966-1967.<\/p>\n
As you can see, the photo taken in 1966 reveals no detail on Earth\u2019s surface. <\/p>\n
But, surely, this photo stunned those on Earth who finally saw our home planet from the moon.<\/p>\n
Years later, a digitally enhanced version<\/h3>\n
Then, in 2008, NASA released a newly restored version of the original 1966 image of Earth. NASA used refurbished machinery and modern digital technology. Consequently, the new image is higher resolution than what was possible when it was originally taken. Wow! What a difference.<\/p>\n
The impressive restored image of the Earth from the moon is below.<\/p>\nIn 2008, NASA restored this 1st image of Earth from the moon. Lunar Orbiter 1 took the original image. NASA used photographic techniques that were not available when that early spacecraft originally acquired this historic photo. Read more about this photo from NASA.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
Bottom line: As NASA plans to land astronauts on the moon with the Artemis IV mission in 2028, it\u2019s fun to see this 1st-ever photo of Earth from the moon, taken on August 23, 1966. <\/p>\n
NASA releases 12,000 Artemis pics! See our faves here<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n
\n
\n
Deborah Byrd<\/h4>\n
View Articles\n <\/p><\/div>\n
\n
About the Author:<\/h6>\n
Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. “Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers,” she says.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
![\"Crisp,](\"https:\/\/earthsky.org\/upl\/2013\/08\/lunar-orbiter-1-1966-restored-e1377111459644.png\")