The Always Has Been meme features two astronauts in space, with one apparently pointing a gun at the other or confronting them. The image became iconic for expressing the realization that something has always been true or always been the way we assumed. The space setting adds absurdist humor to the format. The meme works by pairing the image with text revealing that something was always true, often playing on common misconceptions or recent 'discoveries' that have always been the reality. The format is particularly effective for expressing surprise at historical truths.

The image comes from a real NASA photograph taken during a space mission. Internet users recognized the composition's potential as a meme template and began using it around 2020. The image's authenticity, it's a real NASA photograph rather than created content, gives it a sense of validity and humor. The meme emerged during 2020 when many internet users were experiencing way shifts and revelations about society, making the format's expression of 'things were always this way' particularly timely and relatable.

Use the Always Has Been image to express that something has always been true or been the way we assumed, often revealing misconceptions or common misunderstandings. Works best for historical facts, obvious truths, or recent revelations about existing realities.