Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
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Research Article

From T-O to Satellite: A Media Archaeology of Planetary Images

Xiaomeng WangShandong University*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

From a media archaeology perspective, we trace the evolution of Earth imagery and its underlying viewing practices. In ancient and medieval religious contexts, images conveyed myths and divine order, shaping theological understanding. The Renaissance marked a pivotal shift, as humans assumed a central position. Humanism diverged into two streams: ethical humanism, which focuses on values and cultural narratives, and scientific-rational humanism, which emphasizes measurement and objective depiction to expand knowledge and power. In the modern era, science and technology recentered Earth’s wholeness, as exemplified by the Apollo Earthrise photo and digital visualizations, enabling a non-human perspective. This research uncovers how planetary perspectives were obscured and preserved, re-evaluating human-Earth relations and offering insights for future ecological crises.

Keywords: Media archaeology; Planetary images; T-O map; Earthrise
Published: December 24, 2025
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/2025.HT30818
Volume: CHR Vol.100
pp. 211-225
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