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Artemis II Crew Captures Stunning Images of Earth Midway to Moon
Artemis II Crew Captures Stunning Images of Earth Midway to Moon
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has released the first high-resolution images of Earth taken by astronauts aboard the Artemis II mission as they reached the halfway mark between the Earth and the Moon.
NASA disclosed that the mission commander, Reid Wiseman, captured the “spectacular” images shortly after the crew executed a crucial engine burn that placed their spacecraft on a direct trajectory toward the Moon.
According to data from NASA’s dashboard at about 07:00 BST, the Orion spacecraft had travelled approximately 142,000 miles (228,500 kilometres) from Earth and was about 132,000 miles away from the Moon.
Reacting to the milestone, astronaut Christina Koch said the crew expressed collective excitement upon being informed of their progress, which came roughly two days, five hours and 24 minutes after liftoff.
One of the images, titled Hello, World, captures a sweeping view of the Atlantic Ocean, illuminated by a thin atmospheric glow as Earth partially eclipses the Sun. The photograph also shows green auroras near both poles.
In the image, Earth appears inverted, revealing parts of the western Sahara and the Iberian Peninsula on one side, and the eastern region of South America on the other. NASA identified a bright object visible in the frame as the planet Venus.
The images were taken shortly after the crew completed a successful trans-lunar injection burn, which propelled the Orion spacecraft out of Earth’s orbit as it begins its over 200,000-mile journey to the Moon.
Artemis II is currently on a looping trajectory that will take the crew around the far side of the Moon and back to Earth, marking the first human mission to travel beyond Earth’s orbit since the Apollo 17 Moon mission in 1972.
The spacecraft was launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida and is expected to fly past the far side of the Moon on April 6 before returning to Earth for a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10.
Mission specialist Jeremy Hansen told mission control in Houston that the crew had been “glued to the windows” capturing images of space following the burn.
“We are getting a beautiful view of the dark side of the Earth, lit by the Moon,” Hansen said.
However, the astronauts’ eagerness reportedly left smudges on the spacecraft windows, prompting Wiseman to later request guidance from mission control on how to clean them.
Wiseman had earlier noted the difficulty of photographing Earth from such a distance, likening it to trying to capture the Moon from one’s backyard due to exposure challenges, though he said conditions had since improved.
Another image released shows Earth divided between daylight and darkness, a boundary known as the terminator, while a separate shot highlights city lights glowing across the planet’s night side.
NASA also shared a side-by-side comparison between the latest images and a similar photograph taken during the Apollo 17 mission, noting that despite technological advancements over the past 54 years, Earth’s beauty from space remains unchanged.
Diaspora Watch Newspaper is pleased to announce the release of its 98th edition, presenting readers with another rich blend of impactful stories, insightful analyses and inspiring human-interest features from across the world.
Leading this edition is the heartwarming cover story, “Godchildren Honour Emmanuel and Joy Ojiribe at 40th Anniversary Celebration in US,” which chronicles the remarkable legacy of love, faith, mentorship and family built over four decades by the celebrated couple, culminating in a memorable celebration attended by loved ones and admirers.
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The edition also brings readers up to speed on major international developments, including US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an Intel-Apple chip deal, Ghana’s move towards a local takeover of Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mine, CARICOM’s renewed commitment to improving citizens’ lives under incoming Chair Pierre, the possibility of cocoa prices rising above $10,000 per tonne once again, a comprehensive 14-Point Roadmap to De-escalation and Reconstruction, Singapore’s impressive 38.4 per cent growth in non-oil exports driven by artificial intelligence, and warnings from Kew scientists that AI and digitalization could play a crucial role in preventing global plant extinction.
On the back page, readers will find the inspiring story of Adenugba, who has been honored with the African Diaspora Fashion Platform Award, recognizing excellence, creativity and outstanding contributions to fashion within the global African diaspora community.
As always, Diaspora Watch Newspaper remains committed to delivering credible journalism, promoting African excellence, strengthening diaspora engagement and providing readers with balanced perspectives on global affairs, business, innovation and development.
The 98th edition is now available to readers across print and digital platforms. We invite everyone to pick up a copy and stay informed on the stories shaping Africa, the diaspora and the wider world.
SpaceX to join Nasdaq-100 index July 7
SpaceX will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index on July 7, following confirmation by exchange operator Nasdaq, a move expected to trigger a surge in passive investment into the aerospace and artificial intelligence company.
The inclusion means exchange-traded funds and other investment vehicles that track the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 Index will be required to purchase SpaceX shares, a development that typically boosts demand and supports a company’s stock price.
SpaceX, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, made its Nasdaq debut on June 12 and has experienced volatile financial performance in recent years, alternating between periods of losses and modest profits.
The company reported a net loss of $4.9bn in its most recent financial year, underscoring the challenges it continues to face despite strong investor interest in its space technology and artificial intelligence businesses.
The company’s addition to the index comes after Nasdaq, alongside other major index providers including FTSE Russell and MSCI, eased some of its listing eligibility requirements in an effort to attract more companies seeking to list on U.S. exchanges.
The revised criteria include changes to profitability requirements, the waiting period after a company’s initial public offering and the number of publicly traded shares required for inclusion in certain indices.
Meanwhile, S&P Global has maintained a more cautious approach.
The index provider said earlier this month that it would not alter its eligibility requirements for SpaceX to join its flagship indices, including the benchmark S&P 500.
According to S&P Global, the company will not be considered for inclusion in the S&P 500 until it has been publicly listed for at least 12 months.
The development comes as other leading artificial intelligence firms, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are widely expected to pursue initial public offerings either later this year or in 2027, with analysts projecting valuations exceeding $1tn.
Uzodimma Backs FLAC, Urges Nigerians to Unite Against Cancer
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the First Ladies Against Cancer, FLAC Nigeria, while calling on Nigerians to join efforts to combat cancer through increased awareness, early detection and sustained advocacy.
The governor made the pledge during a courtesy visit by members of FLAC and later at a gala night organised in their honour at the Government House in Owerri.
Speaking at the event, Uzodimma commended the organisation for its humanitarian interventions and contributions to improving cancer prevention, treatment and care across the country.
“I am excited to host you in Imo State and I commend your humanitarian services in Nigeria,” the governor said, assuring the delegation of his administration’s continued support for the organisation’s programmes.
He described Imo as the hospitality capital of the South-East and welcomed the delegates on behalf of the state government and people, assuring them of their safety during their stay.
The event also featured emotional testimonies from cancer survivors, including men, women and children, who recounted their experiences with the disease while encouraging Nigerians to embrace early screening and treatment.
Addressing guests at the gala night, Uzodimma stressed that the fight against cancer requires collective action, public education and efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with the disease.
He also lauded the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for its investments in cancer prevention, treatment and palliative care, urging Nigerians to support ongoing reforms in the health sector.
“We need a new Nigeria where everyone participates in nation-building,” the governor said, adding that early detection remains critical to improving survival rates among cancer patients.
Earlier, the Chairperson of FLAC Nigeria and wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma, said the delegation visited to appreciate the governor for his consistent support for the organisation’s advocacy and activities.
She explained that FLAC, whose membership comprises serving and former first ladies across the country, marks Cancer Survivors Month every June to celebrate survivors, inspire hope and raise awareness about the disease.
She described the governor as “a special friend of FLAC” and presented him with an award on behalf of the organisation in recognition of his support for its mission.
The gala night featured musical performances, a fashion parade by cancer survivors, comedy, cake cutting, presentation of gifts to survivors and a fundraising session to support the organisation’s advocacy programmes.
Mrs Uzodimma disclosed that more than N100m was raised during the fundraising to support FLAC’s ongoing cancer awareness and advocacy initiatives.
The delegation included the wives of the governors of Adamawa, Zamfara and Ogun states, Hajia Lami Fintiri, Hajia Huriyya Lawal and Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; immediate past FLAC Chairperson, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu; former First Lady of Niger State, Dr Amina Abubakar; and former First Lady of Oyo State and ambassador-designate, Dr Florence Ajumobi, among other dignitaries.
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 98
CARICOM celebrates women in diplomacy, hosts young female honorary diplomats
The Politics of Akara and Kuli-Kuli Empowerment, by Boniface Ihiasota
Pastor Jerry Eze Defends Miracles At UK Conference Amidst Criticism And Controversy
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
