William Anders, the former astronaut famous for capturing the iconic Earthrise photo, has died in a plane crash in Washington

William Anders, renowned for capturing the iconic "Earthrise" photo during the Apollo 8 mission, died in a plane crash at 90. His son confirmed the tragic event, mourning the loss of a great pilot. The Earthrise photo, showcasing Earth's fragility from space, ignited the global environmental movement. Colleagues praised Anders for reshaping humanity's perception of our planet. The crash occurred off the San Juan Islands, with Anders as the sole occupant. Investigations are ongoing. Anders, born in Hong Kong in 1933, had a distinguished career in the military and diplomacy. He co-founded the Heritage Flight Museum and served in various roles post-NASA. Despite his contributions, Anders remained humble about his accomplishments. His legacy extends beyond space exploration, touching the hearts and minds of many, including Chip Fletcher, whose childhood encounter with the Earthrise photo inspired his career. William Anders leaves behind a rich legacy, not only as an astronaut but also as a pioneer and ambassador for science and exploration.