50 years ago today. Earth, our big “Blue Marble”

10 Stunning 'Blue Marble' Images of Earth

(CLICK HERE) to See the original 1972 photograph and nine newer versions from NASA

The photos provided through the above link were taken forty years ago today, on Dec. 7, 1972, by members of the Apollo 17 crew.  The photo would eventually become known as the "Blue Marble," famous just as the original "Earthrise" photo taken four years earlier by astronaut William Anders as part of the Apollo 8 mission in 1968.

The earthrise photo has been referred to as the most influential environmental photograph ever taken.

The excitement of space exploration, new discoveries and gaining new perspective on just how small our home, planet earth is. 

What a time to grow up in!

Anyone recall having this lunch box?