iPhone 17 Pro Max captures video of 'Earthset' from space on Artemis 2 Moon mission

NASA has taken a bold step by allowing personal devices on the Artemis 2 Moon mission, and the results are breathtaking. Astronauts aboard the mission utilized four iPhone 17 Pro Max units to document their experiences in space, from onboard experiments to spectacular views of Earth from the cosmos. Among the highlights shared by Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman is a captivating video of 'Earthset' filmed from the Orion spacecraft’s docking hatch. Wiseman described the moment, stating, "Only one chance in this lifetime… Like watching a sunset at the beach from the most foreign seat in the cosmos, I couldn’t resist a cell phone video of Earthset." He expressed how the iPhone was perfectly sized to capture the view, adding that the video is uncropped and uncut, showcasing its impressive 8x zoom capabilities. In the 53-second footage, viewers can see the Moon's craters while Earth gradually fades from sight, providing a rare perspective of an 'Earthset' from space. Prior to this video, NASA had also released images captured with the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which received acclaim for their clarity and marked a significant milestone for smartphone usage in space exploration. Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, celebrated the mission's success through an X post, stating, "Congratulations to Artemis II on a successful mission! You captured the wonders of space and our planet beautifully, taking iPhone photography to new heights. Your work continues to inspire us all to think differently," acknowledging the astronauts' contributions to the world of space photography.