There are moments in history when everything shifts.
When the horizon expands.
When humanity decides — once again — to go further.
We are standing at the edge of one of those moments.
After more than 50 years since the last humans walked on the Moon during Apollo program, a new chapter is about to begin: Artemis II.
What is Artemis II?
Artemis II will be the first crewed mission of NASA’s new lunar program, sending astronauts on a journey around the Moon and back to Earth.
Unlike Artemis I, which tested the systems without humans, Artemis II will carry a crew — marking the return of people to deep space for the first time in a generation.
The mission will use:
- The powerful Space Launch System rocket
- The advanced Orion spacecraft capsule
Together, they will carry astronauts thousands of kilometers beyond Earth, looping around the Moon before returning home.
The Crew
Artemis II is not just a technical mission — it’s symbolic.
For the first time in history, the crew will include:
- Christina Koch — the first woman to travel to the Moon
- Victor Glover — the first Black astronaut on a lunar mission
- Reid Wiseman — mission commander
- Jeremy Hansen — representing Canadian Space Agency
This is a mission that reflects who we are today as a species — diverse, global, and united by curiosity.
When and where to watch
The launch is currently planned for April 1 at 18:28 EDT (U.S. East Coast time).
For Europe, that means:
Spain (Cartagena): 00:28 on April 2
The launch window is 2 hours long, so if there are delays, liftoff could happen later — potentially closer to 02:28 (Spain time).
You can watch the official live broadcast here:
https://plus.nasa.gov/scheduled-video/nasas-artemis-ii-crew-launches-to-the-moon-official-broadcast/#fullscreen-player
And yes — we’re not just watching this alone.
At Finca Astronómica, we’ll be following the launch together in our open-air cinema, already preparing popcorn and champagne for this historic night. Because some moments deserve to be experienced as a community.
Why does this matter?
Because Artemis II is not the destination.
It’s the beginning.
This mission will pave the way for:
- Human landings on the Moon again (Artemis III)
- A long-term lunar presence
- And eventually… missions to Mars
But beyond technology, there’s something deeper.
It’s about perspective.
When humans leave Earth, even for a moment, they remind all of us:
- that we share one planet
- that we are part of something vast
- and that limits are often temporary
From the Moon… to your backyard
At Astronomy Tours, we often look up and talk about galaxies millions of light-years away — like Andromeda.
But sometimes, the most powerful story is much closer.
The Moon — the same one you see rising above Cartagena — is once again becoming a destination.
And soon, when you look at it, you won’t just see a bright disk in the sky.
You’ll know:
people are on their way back.
Experience the sky for yourself
While astronauts prepare for their journey, you don’t have to wait to feel connected to the Universe.
Join us at Finca Astronómica and explore the night sky through telescopes, stories, and real observations — from planets to distant galaxies.
Because every great journey begins the same way:
by looking up.
Book Free Event: https://juststargaze.com/#beyond-eclipses
