As the astronauts pass behind the Moon they will experience a moment of silence and solitude as communication with the Earth is blocked.

Exactly when and how plate tectonics started, however, is a matter of debate. Now, in a study published March 19 in the journal Science, rock samples from Western Australia hint that the Earth’s crust may have been moving as early as 3.48 billion years ago, roughly one billion years after our planet formed.

The Artemis II astronauts, after saying goodbye to family and friends, were strapped into their seats aboard the Orion spacecraft by early afternoon, hours before the launch window opened at 6:24 p.m. Eastern time. As the astronauts sat, NASA continued with checks to ensure the safety of the crew before liftoff.

Japan has an idea on how to power Earth with an endless supply of clean energy. It involves a mega-structure around the Moon.

The new Artemis II images — coupled with initial shots of the spacecraft hurtling through Earth's orbit, surrounded by glittering, galactic ice — have rendered much of the public awestruck, feeds flooding over with an overwhelming sense of emotion as the astronauts look back at our home.

Victor Glover, Jeremy Hansen, Reid Wiseman and Christina Koch's mission is partly intended to pave the way for a future lunar landing in the coming years.

Artemis II crosses moon halfway point, primed for historic Monday flyby that will surpass Apollo 13's 55-year distance record.