Its a historic moment for the crew of NASAs Artemis II mission, who have now traveled farther from Earth than any humans in history as they continue toward a planned lunar flyby.The four astronauts surpassed the previous record set by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970, when they traveled about 248,655 miles from Earth.The crew is now preparing for a period of lunar observations, where they will capture photos and videos and taking notes as they study parts of the moon that have never been seen before.The spacecraft's internal lights have been turned off so the crew can more easily see details on the relatively dim lunar surface. The astronauts have been issued cameras with zoom lenses to get a closer view of their target.The spacecraft will be out of contact with ground control for 30-50 minutes as it passes behind the moon. The observations and notes the astronauts make will be crucial for matching up to recorded data once the flyby is complete.The temporary loss of communications will coincide with Earthset, when Earth disappears behind the lunar horizon from the crews perspective.WATCH LIVE COVERAGE OF THE MISSION FROM NASARELATED STORY | One stinky problem: Artemis II launch hits toilet trouble in orbitOrion is expected to pass within about 4,070 miles of the lunar surface at its closest point.Communication is expected to be restored during Earthrise, when the planet comes back into view on the opposite side of the moon.The crew is also expected to witness a solar eclipse as the moon passes between Orion and the sun.The mission marks a major step forward in NASAs efforts to return humans to deep space and eventually land astronauts on the lunar surface for the first time in more than 50 years.RELATED STORY | Artemis II astronauts lift off for historic mission around the moon ...read more read less