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Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders ID'd in WA plane crash (fox13seattle.com)

430 points by TMWNN · 797 days ago · 245 comments on HN

Article summary

William Anders, a former Apollo 8 astronaut, was killed in a plane crash near the San Juan Islands in Washington state. Anders was piloting the vintage Air Force T-34 Mentor plane when it crashed. He was a member of the Apollo 8 crew and took the iconic 'Earthrise' photo during the mission. Anders was 91 years old at the time of his death.

Main themes

  • Apollo 8 mission
  • Aviation accident
  • Astronaut biography
  • Environmental photography
  • Pilot licensing and medical requirements
  • Space exploration history

What commenters say

  • The Earthrise photo taken by William Anders is considered one of the most influential environmental photographs ever taken, and its impact on the public's perception of the Earth is still significant today.
  • The calculation of the Earth's rotation during the time the photo was taken is more complex than initially thought, and the actual distance the Earth rotated is much less than initially stated.
  • The medical requirements for maintaining a pilot's license, especially for older pilots, are a topic of discussion and debate, with some arguing that the current system is too lenient.
  • The risk of accidents involving older pilots is a concern, but it is also noted that private aviation accidents typically only affect those on board, unlike car accidents which can affect many more people.
  • The 'Earthrise' photo was a pivotal moment in the history of space exploration and environmental awareness, and its significance extends beyond the technical aspects of the Apollo 8 mission.
  • The conversation around the photo's creation and the astronauts' experiences during the mission is fascinating and provides a unique glimpse into the history of space exploration.
  • The comparison between the risks of private aviation and car driving is noteworthy, with some arguing that the risks associated with car driving are much greater than those associated with private flying.
  • The legacy of William Anders and his contributions to space exploration and environmental awareness will continue to be celebrated and remembered.