Earth in Space: Why Do Astronauts Feel Awe and Relaxation?
Updated on: 48-0-0 0:0:0

In the infinite universe, the earth is like a flat boat, carrying the dreams and hopes of mankind. Many people dream of visiting every corner of the earth and feeling the infinite charm of this blue planet. However, very few people have been able to see the Earth in full, except for those astronauts who have been lucky enough to be in space.

Looking at the Earth from space, astronauts often experience a profound cognitive shift, which is what the writer Frank White proposed in the 80s of the last century, the "overview effect". It describes the awe and self-transcendence of astronauts when they witness the magnificent scene of the earth, as Su Shi said: "Parasitic mayflies in the heaven and earth, a drop in the sea." Not only is the experience shocking, but it also has a positive impact on the astronauts' psyche, making them more relaxed and less anxious during their space journey.

In space, astronauts often gaze at the Earth through portholes, and American astronauts often do so during their nine-month space missions. The NASA Apollo mission in the last century left behind many precious space images, including many photos overlooking the earth from space. These photographs not only record the beauty and magnificence of the earth, but also bear witness to the courage and determination of human beings to explore the universe.

British science writer Andy Sanders, a renowned digital restoration expert at NASA, has crafted the highest-quality Apollo photographs ever made from high-resolution digital scans of original film. The photographs were included in his book Apollo: An Epic of Space Photography, which presents readers with a feast for the eyes. The book contains more than 400 high-definition photos, each of which is breathtaking.

In these photographs, we can see the planet in all its forms: from dry rivers to vast oceans, from bustling cities to vast countryside. These images not only show the beauty and diversity of the earth, but also make us more aware of the importance of protecting the earth. The "Blue Marble" is a particularly famous photograph that captures the full picture of the Earth illuminated by sunlight and became a major catalyst for the environmental movement.

Apollo: An Epic of Space Photography also chronicles the lives and work of astronauts in space. Looking at the earth from their perspective, we seem to feel the vastness and mystery of space as if we are also immersed in it. These photographs are not only a detailed account of the Apollo mission, but also a tribute to the great adventure of mankind to explore the universe.

In this book, we can not only enjoy stunning photos of space, but also learn about what astronauts really feel like in space. Their awe and self-transcendence in the face of the vast universe, as well as their deep attachment to and sense of protection of the earth, make us cherish this only home even more.