Bill Anders, the astronaut famously known for capturing the iconic “Earthrise” photo during the Apollo 8 mission, passed away in a plane crash off the San Juan Islands. His son, Greg Anders, confirmed his death and expressed the family’s devastation. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson paid tribute to Anders for his contributions to space exploration and humanity. Anders was not only known for his role in Apollo 8 but also for his work in the Pacific Northwest aviation scene as the founder of the Heritage Flight Museum.
The plane crash that took Anders’ life was reported by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, with a search operation involving various agencies underway. Anders, who was the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft, was born in Hong Kong and became an Air Force pilot before joining NASA as an astronaut in 1963. He was part of the Apollo 8 mission, during which the famous Earthrise photo was taken. Although there was some controversy over the origins of the photo, historians now attribute it to Anders.
Anders’ legacy extends beyond his time at NASA, as he took on various roles in administration and public service after leaving the space agency. Along with his wife, Valerie, he established the Anders Foundation to support educational and environmental initiatives. The Heritage Flight Museum, founded by Anders, continues to operate under the leadership of his children. In recognition of his contributions, a crater in the Earthrise photo was named “Anders’ Earthrise” by the International Astronomical Union on the 50th anniversary of Apollo 8 in 2018.
The Earthrise photo itself became an emblem of environmental awareness and the Overview Effect, a phenomenon where seeing Earth from space evokes feelings of interconnectedness and a desire to protect the planet. The mission of Apollo 8 was initially focused on lunar exploration but turned out to be a profound revelation about our own planet. Anders’ participation in the Apollo program and subsequent roles in public service solidified his impact on both space exploration and societal issues.
Anders’ tragic death in the plane crash serves as a reminder of his adventurous spirit and dedication to exploration. His contribution to the Apollo 8 mission and the lasting legacy of the Earthrise photo continue to inspire future generations of astronauts and environmental advocates. The loss of such a pioneering figure in space history is deeply felt by all who knew him, but his impact on the world will endure through his work and the organizations he helped establish.
