The planet is… up to something
An astronaut’s image of Earth from the 2026 lunar flyby reveals not our profound smallness but our growing significance - by Aeon Video Watch on Aeon
The thrilling Artemis II mission to the Moon in April 2026 granted NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman a fascinating opportunity to photograph the Earth from above, with the nightside illuminated by the moon's glow. These images captured the beauty and diverse phenomena of our planet, showcasing a captivating dance of natural and human-made elements.
In this thought-provoking video essay, renowned US YouTuber Hank Green argues that despite not presenting any groundbreaking new information, the timelapse holds a profound significance. Rather than emphasizing our insignificance, Wiseman's images reveal the remarkable growth of our species – for both positive and negative impacts.
The visual spectacle of Earth as seen through the eyes of astronauts orbiting above sparks awe and wonder, reflecting how humanity's first glimpse of our home from space forever altered our perspective and understanding of our place in the universe.
Written by urgent.news from Aeon's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
