Timeline event · 24 December 1968 · The Space Race
Apollo 8 Orbits the Moon
The crew of Apollo 8 become the first humans to leave Earth orbit and circle the Moon, returning the famous Earthrise photograph.
Highlights
- ›First humans to orbit the Moon
Missions, people & worlds
Knowledge connections
- Part ofThe Space Race
- Associated withThe Moon
- Associated withApollo 8
- Associated withFrank Borman
- Associated withJim Lovell
- Associated withWilliam Anders
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.