Moon Missions: Apollo 11 Looking Back at the Earth

Approximately 23 hours after launch, the crew had a good view of Africa and Europe. Astronaut Collins described the view as he pointed the Command Module’s telescope at the Earth.

Collins: It’s really a fantastic sight through the sextant. A minute ago the reticle swept across the Mediterranean. You could see all of North Africa, absolutely clear: all of Portugal, Spain, southern France, all of Italy absolutely clear. Just a beautiful sight.

Apollo 11's view of Africa and Europe.