Welcome to Blue Marble

This "Blue Marble" shot was taken on December 7, 1972 by the Apollo 17 crew. (Image courtesy NASA Johnson Space Center Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth)

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Posted September 11, 2023 | Updated on Apr 10, 2024

In 1972, an astronaut aboard Apollo 17 did something that wasn’t part of the mission plan: he took the first picture of the Earth. That “Blue Marble Shot,” as it came to be known, inspired a new view of the earth, creating “the overview effect.” Inspired by the iconic photo, our name seeks to capture the complexity, fragility, and beauty of the place we call home.

Blue Marble was founded by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs in 2023 to transform the way we see our world.

Across digital platforms, we introduce you to the people, places, and issues defining our world right now, in ways that cultivate curiosity, build confidence, and renew our collective commitment to solving global problems.

You can follow us on TikTok or Instagram for quick perspectives, read our latest stories for a deeper look, subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates. Get to know the Blue Marble crew, learn more about our approach, and tell us what you think.

At Blue Marble, like the Apollo 17 crew, we believe that remarkable things happen when the world comes into view.

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About the Authors

Headshot for Christina Colón.

Christina Colón

Director of Audience Strategy and Impact
Christina Colón joined the Chicago Council on Global Affairs in 2023.