Understanding the Truth Behind Famous Space Earth Images
The famous Earth images from space often raise questions about their orientation and authenticity. Contrary to common misconceptions, these photographs are subject to minor adjustments and rotations to fit our expectations and better convey the visual experience to audiences on Earth.
No 'Up' in Space
It's a common belief that the Earth is always shown with its north pole at the top and south pole at the bottom when viewed from space. However, it's important to remember that there is no 'up' in space; the orientation of the Earth could be imagined from any direction.
Earth Rise Image
In the famous image taken by the Harrison Schmitt during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972, the Earth's north pole was at the top and the south pole at the bottom. This image was not rotated or manipulated in any way, which is a common misconception. The Earth's axis of rotation is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. As a result, different photos taken from space may appear to have slightly different orientations depending on the time and location.
Original Versus Commonly Seen Versions
The original photos of the Earth from space, such as those available on NASA websites, often feature a different orientation than the versions commonly seen on the internet. The image we often see online has been rotated to better suit the public's expectations of how the Earth should appear. This rotation might seem significant, but it is actually a minor adjustment that aligns with our perception of the planet's orientation.
The Apollo 8 'Earthrise' Photo
Another famous image is the 'Earthrise' photo taken during the Apollo 8 mission. It appears that the image has been rotated to create the visual effect of the Earth rising over the horizon. From the perspective of the astronauts, the Earth would not look this way naturally; it required a rotation to achieve the desired effect.
No Natural 'Up' in Space
The concept of 'up' or 'down' is a relative idea based on our position and perspective on Earth. In space, there is no natural 'up' or 'down' except what we assign. The orientation of the camera, the photo, or the camera itself is often adjusted to fit the viewing experience, but this does not compromise the authenticity of the image. The IAU's definitions and conventions determine the standard orientation of celestial bodies, but these can vary based on the mission's objectives and the scientific data being captured.
For example, an undecorated scan of the original Earth image taken during Apollo 17 (AS17-148-22727) shows the true orientation as it appeared on film before any color enhancements or adjustments were made. This starkly different image represents the actual position of the Earth relative to the spacecraft, without any rotations or manipulations.