Earthshine and Earth Glow: New Artemis II Videos Reveal Stunning Views of Our Planet from Space

When Christina Koch floated outside the Orion spacecraft during Artemis II and captured that now-viral video of Earthshine spilling across her visor, it wasn’t just a breathtaking moment for space enthusiasts—it quietly echoed in places like downtown Austin, where stargazers gathered at the University of Texas McDonald Observatory’s outreach events weeks later, pointing their telescopes toward the same crescent glow she described as “the brilliance of Earth on my face.” That raw, human perspective from 54,500 kilometers out reframes how we see our planet, and for a city blending tech innovation with deep-rooted hill country traditions, it sparked conversations not just about exploration, but about what we carry home from the void.

The video itself—shot with an iPhone pressed against Orion’s window—shows sunlight scattered by Earth’s oceans and atmosphere, creating a soft, blue-tinged luminescence that bathes the capsule’s interior. Unlike the stark, iconic Apollo 8 Earthrise, this Earthshine is diffuse, almost intimate, as if the planet is exhaling light into the void. Koch, already known for her record-setting ISS tenure and advocacy for STEM access, framed it as a reminder of shared fragility: “You don’t see borders up there,” she noted in post-mission interviews, “just this thin, glowing layer that keeps us alive.” That sentiment resonated strongly in Austin’s tech circles, where companies like Indeed and Silicon Labs have long tied their recruitment narratives to global impact, yet now find employees questioning how orbital perspectives might reshape local sustainability initiatives—from Barton Creek watershed protection to urban heat island mitigation efforts led by the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability.

Historically, Austin’s relationship with space exploration runs deeper than most realize. During the Apollo era, the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Space Research (CSR) contributed to lunar geology studies, analyzing samples brought back by Apollo astronauts. Today, CSR collaborates with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Earth-observing missions like GRACE-FO, which tracks groundwater depletion—a critical concern for Central Texas as aquifer levels fluctuate amid rapid growth. The Artemis II footage, while not scientific data per se, renews public interest in these terrestrial applications of space tech. Local astronomers at the Austin Astronomical Society have reported increased attendance at their monthly “Star Parties” at Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park, where attendees now ask not just about constellations, but how Earth’s albedo—the reflectivity Koch’s video highlighted—connects to regional climate models.

This cosmic-to-community thread extends into education. The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, a public all-girls institution in East Austin, recently integrated Artemis II imagery into its aerospace engineering unit, challenging students to design low-cost light sensors mimicking Koch’s iPhone setup. Teachers there note that seeing an astronaut who shares Koch’s background—she grew up in rural North Carolina, overcoming barriers similar to those faced by many Central Texas students—makes STEM feel accessible. Meanwhile, the Bullock Texas State History Museum hosted a temporary exhibit comparing Apollo 8’s film footage with Artemis II’s digital captures, drawing over 15,000 visitors in its first month; curators emphasized how evolving technology changes not just what we see, but how we emotionally process our place in the universe.

Of course, the awe carries practical weight. Austin’s tech sector, which contributes over $30 billion annually to the local economy per the Austin Chamber of Commerce, is increasingly investing in space-adjacent industries. Companies like Firefly Aerospace, headquartered just northeast of the city in Cedar Park, are developing launch vehicles for lunar missions, while others focus on Earth observation analytics—turning data from satellites into actionable insights for agriculture and disaster response. The Central Texas Innovation Alliance, a consortium of regional tech firms, has begun exploring partnerships with NASA’s Johnson Space Center to adapt spacecraft life-support systems for urban vertical farming projects, a concept gaining traction in East Austin food desert initiatives.

Given my background in environmental journalism and community resilience, if this renewed cosmic perspective impacts you in Austin, here are the three types of local professionals you require to connect with:

• Climate Adaptation Planners: Look for professionals affiliated with the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability or firms like Crescent Consulting who specialize in translating global environmental data—like albedo measurements from space—into hyperlocal strategies for heat mitigation, flood resilience, and water conservation. They should demonstrate experience with the Austin Climate Equity Plan and familiarity with balancing growth pressures in watersheds like Barton Springs.
• STEM Outreach Coordinators: Seek individuals or organizations with proven ties to institutions like the Ann Richards School, UT’s Women in STEM program, or the Austin Astronomical Society. Effective providers will show how they make space science tangible through hands-on projects—consider DIY spectrometers or light-pollution mapping—and prioritize inclusivity for underrepresented students in districts like Manor or Del Valle ISDs.
• Space-Economy Analysts: Focus on consultants or researchers connected to groups like the Austin Chamber of Commerce’s Tech Alliance or the Central Texas Innovation Alliance who can articulate how lunar mission spinoffs—whether in materials science, robotics, or Earth observation—create tangible opportunities for local businesses. They should ground their insights in regional workforce data from the Texas Workforce Commission and avoid overly speculative claims.

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