Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Amazing view of Earth from outer space shot by ISRO’s Chandrayaan 3.
Fact
Video predates the launch of Chandrayaan 3, was shot by an ESA astronaut.
A video purportedly showing an outer space view of Earth recorded by the ISRO’s ambitious lunar mission, Chandrayaan 3 is being widely shared on social media platforms. Multiple users shared the twenty-four-second-long-video to show an “amazing view” of Earth shot by Chandrayaan 3. Newschecker found the claim to be untrue. The video dates back to October 2022, and was shot by an ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut.
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Chandrayaan 3, which was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 14, is “is set to land on the moon on August 23, 2023, around 18:04 Hrs. IST,” ISRO announced. The space research organisation has been sharing visuals of the moon taken by the lunar mission, along with regular updates on its social media handle. Such visuals can be seen here, here and here.
Also Read: Here’s The Truth Behind Viral Videos Shared To Show Launch Of Chandrayaan 3
Fact Check/Verification
We found “Som ET. Credit: University of Iowa, Image courtesy of the Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center” written on the last few frames, raising our doubts.
Further, a Google reverse image search on the keyframes of the viral footage led us to a X post by @ValaAfshar, dated January 20, 2023. It carried a longer version of the video, confirming that it predates the launch of Chandrayaan 3.
We also spotted the watermark of esa (European Space Agency) in the video.
Additionally, we found that the video was shared on X by ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti on October 13, 2022. The caption of the post stated, “One last time, fly along with me! Farewell and, as always, thanks for all the fish! #MissionMinerva @esa @esaspaceflight @ESA_EO @Space_Station”
Following this, we looked up “Samantha Cristoforetti,” “Minerva” and “Earth Video” on Google and found the video posted on the official website of the ESA on October 13, 2022, titled “Moonlight Timelapse.”
The description of the video read, “Timelapse video made during ESA astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti’s second mission to the International Space Station, “Minerva”. Samantha shared this video on social media with the caption: “One last time, fly along with me! Farewell and, as always, thanks for all the fish!”
Conclusion
An old video shot by an ESA astronaut has been falsely shared to show an “amazing view” of Earth recorded by Chandrayaan 3.
Result: False
Sources
Tweet By Samantha Cristoforetti, Dated October 13, 2022
ESA Website
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
