This image compares two famous views of Earth from space, taken more than 50 years apart

This image compares two famous views of Earth from space, taken more than 50 years apart:

Left side — Apollo 17 (1972)
• Taken by astronauts during the last crewed Apollo Moon mission
• Known as the “Blue Marble” image
• One of the first full views of Earth from space
• Lower image resolution (technology at the time)
• Shows Earth with a slightly more natural/soft color tone

Right side — Artemis II (2026)
• Represents a modern or simulated high-resolution Earth view for the upcoming Artemis mission
• Much sharper and clearer due to advanced imaging technology
• More vivid colors and detailed cloud patterns
• Reflects how modern cameras (and sometimes image processing) capture Earth

⸻

Key Differences
• Technology: 1972 cameras vs modern digital imaging
• Clarity: Artemis-era image is much sharper
• Color & detail: Newer image appears more vibrant and detailed
• Context: Apollo 17 image is a real historic photo; Artemis II is future-oriented (and often uses enhanced or composite visuals)

⸻

In short:
👉 Left = historic, iconic, real photo from early space exploration
👉 Right = modern, high-definition representation of how Earth looks today