217. [Apollo 10] WHOLE MOON FLOATING IN THE VASTNESS OF SPACE, SEEN FROM THE HOMEWARD-BOUND SPACECRAFT John Young, 18-26 May 1969 Printed 1969. Vintage chromogenic print on fibre-based Kodak paper [NASA image AS10-27-3956]. With NASA caption and "A Kodak Paper" watermark on the reverse, numbered "NASA AS10-27-3956" in red in the top margin (issued by NASA Manned Spacecraft Centre, Houston, Texas). 20.3 x 25.4 cm. (8 x 10 in.) Historical context This outstanding photograph was taken through the 250mm lens after the crew's first night of sleep on their return journey to Earth, approximately 40,000 nautical miles from the Moon and 180,000 nautical miles from home. At this point, the spacecraft had entered Earth's gravitational sphere of influence, and the Earth and Moon appeared the same relative size to the astronauts. Captured from a perspective not visible from Earth, the Moon is seen high above the equator near 27° E longitude. As they took this picture, the crew reflected on the surreal beauty of their homeward journey: 149:18:11 Stafford: Roger. Just wanted to describe [garble] kind of the total situation here internal. We've got all the spacecraft restowed. Got the music playing, got a beautiful view out here as we rotate around slowly. We've got the Moon in one window and the Earth in the other window. We got it worked out where no thrusters are firing and we just feel in great shape. Over.