‘Are you blind?’ – Chinese tabloid takes a swipe at the New York Times

This week, humanity made first contact with the dark side of the moon, thanks to China. A Chinese unmanned spacecraft, Chang’e-4, has been able to send back visuals of just what it looks like:

Chinese media exploded in a burst of pride. Given this is the first time any human contact has been made with the back of the moon and the achievement had been lauded as ‘impressive’ by Nasa, you might expect the state newspapers to have been a little smug or superior. But coverage has been surprisingly gracious and lauded the moment as significant for mankind. The People’s Daily newspaper writes a technical front-page story, with the headline – ‘First time! Chang’e-4 realises human contact with the dark side of the moon. First picture! Short distance picture taken of the surface and transmitted back to Earth.’

The front-page story is a technical explanation of the science that made this landing possible and its significance.