“All of you on the good Earth.” ⁣ ⁣ On Dec. 24, 1968, the Apollo 8 astronauts became the first humans to orbit another world. As their command module floated above the lunar surface, the astronauts beamed back images of the Moon and sent good wishes to everyone back on Earth. ⁣ ⁣ After circling the Moon 10 times, it was finally time to return home. On Dec. 25, mission control waited anxiously for word that Apollo 8’s engine burn to leave lunar orbit had worked. They soon got confirmation when astronaut Jim Lovell radioed, “Roger, please be informed there is a Santa Claus.” The crew successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Dec. 27, 1968. ⁣ ⁣ Credit: NASAGoddard⁣ ⁣ #Earth #Apollo #Apollo8 #Earthrise #NASAHistory #STEM #Astronaut #Moon