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Earthview

Earthview - the Overview Effect

The effect on astronauts viewing Earth from space is called the Overview Effect, a cognitive shift that can lead to a profound sense of awe, a deeper appreciation for the planet's fragility, and a feeling of interconnectedness with all of humanity. This transformative experience can alter their perspective, leading to a more holistic view of the world without man-made borders and a sense of planetary responsibility. Emotional and psychological effects
  • Awe and wonder: Astronauts report being overwhelmed by the beauty of Earth, describing it as a "living, breathing organism".
  • Sense of fragility: Seeing the planet as a "fragile blue marble" floating in space can create a powerful realization of how delicate life is and how thin the atmosphere is.
  • Connection to humanity: The lack of visible borders in space can foster a strong sense of unity and shared identity, leading to a feeling that all people are part of one human family.
  • Shift in perspective: The experience can lead to a change in their value system, a greater sense of planetary stewardship, and a more hopeful worldview.
Cognitive and philosophical effects
  • Interconnectedness: Many astronauts describe seeing the interconnectedness of everything on Earth, from weather patterns to the molecules that make up their own bodies and the spacecraft.
  • Appreciation for Earth: The view can evoke a newfound and fierce sense of belonging and a deep appreciation for Earth as our only home and life support system.
  • Realization of shared problems: Observing environmental issues like deforestation, pollution, or the impact of natural disasters from space can highlight that these problems affect everyone on a global scal
Overview Effect
Overview Effect

The Overview Effect describes the phenomenon experienced by astronauts when they first see planet Earth from space. The term was coined by Frank White's 1987 book of the same name. The Overview Effect is described as an experience that changes one's perspective on planet Earth and humanity. Key characteristics include a sense of awe, a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth, and a renewed sense of responsibility for our environment. 

Apollo 11

Moon: Neil Armstrong - Space - Nature - Planet Knowledge The first person on the moon was Neil Armstrong on July 21, 1969, as part of NASA's Apollo 11 mission. He stepped onto the moon shortly after landing, and his colleague Buzz Aldrin followed him a few minutes later, becoming the second person on the moon.


Neil Armstrong in an interview about the overview effect: When I saw the Earth rise above the lunar landscape, I realized how unique, precious and beautiful it was, an oasis in space.


Apoll 11 Crew Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin „Buzz“ Aldrin
Apoll 11 Crew Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin „Buzz“ Aldrin

Real time tracking of satellites in Earth´s orbit - SatelliteMap - Space

Join a new Generation of Astronauts

Return to Earth, Forever Changed

New Shepard astronauts ascend toward space at more than three times the speed of sound. They pass the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space 62 miles (100 km) above Earth, before unbuckling to float weightless and gaze at our planet. The crew returns gently under parachutes, forever changed.