Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders, known for capturing the iconic "Earthrise" photograph during the mission, passed away at the age of 90, according to NASA administrator Bill Nelson. Anders' photography showcased the moon's surface juxtaposed with a view of Earth, leaving a profound impact on humanity.

Tragedy struck on Friday when Anders, piloting a Beechcraft plane, crashed into the waters off the San Juan Islands in Washington state. Sadly, he was the only individual on board the aircraft, and the Coast Guard has since recovered his body.

The legendary "Earthrise" photo was taken by Anders on Christmas Eve in 1968 during the Apollo 8 mission, where he served as the Lunar Module Pilot. Alongside Commander Frank Borman and Command Module Pilot James Lovell, the crew became the first humans to enter lunar orbit and witness the far side of the moon.

Born on October 17, 1933, Anders graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1955 before receiving a commission in the U.S. Air Force. In 1962, he obtained a master's degree in nuclear engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Later, Anders was selected as one of only 14 individuals chosen by NASA for the Astronaut Corps.

After his historic space mission, Anders dedicated himself to serving humanity, being appointed as executive secretary of the National Aeronautics and Space Council by President Richard Nixon in 1969. Although Apollo 8 was his sole space flight, his impact and contributions went far beyond that milestone.

In a statement, NASA administrator Bill Nelson expressed his grief and admiration for Anders: "Bill Anders offered to humanity among the deepest of gifts an astronaut can give. He traveled to the threshold of the Moon and helped all of us see something else: ourselves. He embodied the lessons and the purpose of exploration. We will miss him."

Reflecting on Anders' remarkable life and service, Nelson added, "The voyage Bill took in 1968 was only one of the many remarkable chapters in Bill's life and service to humanity. In his 26 years of service to our country, Bill was many things - U.S. Air Force officer, astronaut, engineer, ambassador, advisor, and much more."

William Anders leaves behind an enduring legacy in space exploration and his captivating photography, reminding humanity of our unique place in the cosmos.