An astronaut takes a last look at Earth before entering orbit around the moon. - Ilustração de stock

A soon09/14/2009to09/14/2009be lunar explorer takes a last look at Earth before entering orbit around the moon. At this point in the journey, the moon nearly fills the field of view at a distance of only 3,000 miles. Closing at a speed of 25,000 mph, the explorer will need to return to the airlock soon if she is to be safely inside before the thrusters file, slowing the tug/lunar lander combination down to an orbital velocity.