Big question asked as NASA releases ‘stunning’ image of Moon from Artemis II crew

A new, close-up image of the Moon has raised questions after being shared online.

NASA's first stage in landing humans on the Moon for the first time in nearly 60 years is currently in operation, with a four-person crew currently undertaking a lunar flypast to test the space agency's deep space technology and life support systems.

We're currently on Day 6 of the mission, with the crew set to fly around the far side of the Moon and taking them further into space than humanity has ever been before.

In the run-up to this major moment, crew members Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen have been busy snapping plenty of photos from space, likely on their iPhones, and it would appear a recent photograph of the Moon has got people talking.

Shared by NASA earlier today (6 April) on social media, the space agency shared an image of the Moon as seen by the Artemis crew from the window of their Orion spacecraft.

"One last look at the Moon before flight day six and your epic lunar flyby, taking you farther into space than humans have EVER travelled," NASA captioned the image.

The photograph certainly captured plenty of people's imagination, being described as 'stunning' by one follower, however people couldn't help but notice one unusual thing about the image, the size of the Moon.

More specifically, why the Moon didn't appear bigger as the astronauts approached it.

"It seems closer from my home," joked one person in the replies, while a second commented: "I thought as their [sic] getting closer, it’ll be increasing in size."

"That’s wild how small the moon is in the window when they’re right next to it, compared to how big the Earth is when the capsule leaves its booster. Shouldn’t it get bigger, instead of looking smaller than it does from Earth," added a third.

Although I'd argue that anyone who's tried to take a photo of the Moon on their mobile phone has so far failed to muster up anything better than a slivery smudge in the night sky.

One person suggested it was due to the type of camera lens being used, with the above being taken on a 'wider lens' to show inside the capsule, while most of us who attempt to take a photo of the Moon from Earth just zoom in and hope for the best.

So chances are, the Moon most likely looks significantly bigger to the crew when they're looking at it from the window.

What happens when the crew of Artemis II pass the Moon?

As the Artemis crew approach the far side of the Moon, the BBC revealed the Orion spacecraft will briefly lose contact with NASA mission control in Houston, Texas.

The link will be severed as astronauts pass behind the Moon at 23:47 BST (18:47 EDT) today, as the natural satellite blocks communication signals. The communications blackout will last for around 40 minutes.

Glover previously told the broadcaster he hoped people would use the blackout to come together and send their good thoughts during this time. "Let's pray, hope, send your good thoughts and feelings that we get back in contact with the crew," he said.