Blue Marble (photograph)

The "Blue Marble" is a famous photograph of Earth taken on December 7, 1972, during the Apollo 17 mission. Captured from about 29,000 kilometers (18,000 miles) away, it shows the planet in its entirety, highlighting the vibrant blue oceans, white clouds, and brown landmasses. This stunning image is significant for its portrayal of Earth as a fragile, interconnected whole, fostering a sense of global awareness and environmental responsibility. It has become an iconic representation of Earth in popular culture, emphasizing both the beauty and vulnerability of our planet in the vastness of space.