Simply stated, the mission of the Earthrise Institute has been to use astronomy, space, and other related endeavors as a tool for breaking down international and intercultural barriers and for bringing humanity together.

The Earthrise Institute took its name from the images of Earth taken from lunar orbit by the Apollo astronauts. These images, which have captivated people from around the planet, show our Earth as one small, beautiful jewel in space, completely absent of any arbitrary political divisions or boundaries. They have provided new inspiration to us to protect what is right now the only home we have, and they encourage us to treat the other human beings who live on this planet as fellow residents and citizens of that home. They show, moreover, that we are all in this together, and that anything we do involves all of us.

In that spirit, the Earthrise Institute has sought to preserve and enhance the ideals contained within the Earthrise images via a variety of activities. At present we are developing educational programs and curricula that utilize astronomical and space-related topics to teach younger generations and to lay the foundations so that they are in a position to create a positive future for humanity. We expect to expand upon activities of this nature during the months and years to come.

Biography of Earthrise Institute founder Alan Hale (current as of February 2024)

"Re-Engaging Earthrise," personal statement from Alan Hale, April 9, 2018