NASA’s Artemis II mission is reportedly entering its final phase, bringing an extraordinary journey around the Moon closer to its end. While the crew has begun its return to Earth, the success of the mission isn’t the only thing to appreciate here. The images shared are some of the most stunning space visuals one has seen in recent times. The Artemis II crew shared multiple glimpses from deep space that highlight the beauty and complexity of the universe. From deep space views of the Milky Way to detailed looks at the Moon’s rugged surface, each update has captured global attention. The outer space images shared by NASA have been captured using various devices, including the Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, the GoPro camera, the Nikon D5, and others.
During the movement around the far side of the celestial object, the astronauts managed to take some great images of the Moon. In contrast to the smooth round disc we observe from the Earth, here, it looks much more complex, having a number of craters overlapping each other, going deep into shadows.
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In another series of visuals, the focus is on the Milky Way galaxy as it’s visible in the picture taken after the spacecraft flew past the Moon on April 7. It presents us with the galaxy that can be observed across the sky like we never saw before.
Other than the above, the mission also used an onboard camera (GoPro) to capture a rare view of Earth and the Moon together in one frame. It also captured a solar eclipse from space in another shot, giving people a new perspective on something we usually see from Earth.
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These visuals are not only beautiful, but they also help scientists learn more about the Moon, especially its far side, which is still less explored. The images give useful information about surface patterns and past impacts.
Meanwhile, the mission has reached a key stage in its return. The Orion spacecraft has exited the Moon’s gravitational zone, meaning Earth’s gravity is now guiding it back. The crew will spend the next three days making small adjustments to stay on track. NASA is expecting the mission to end on April 10, 2026, with a splashdown near San Diego. Following that, NASA is said to move ahead with recovery and medical checks.