Two NASA astronauts on the International Space Station have expressed their fascination with viewing the northern and southern lights from space. Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, who have been in orbit for six months, shared their experiences in an interview with The Associated Press.
Due to their position, the astronauts missed totality during a recent solar eclipse, but they did experience a partial eclipse. They are eager to observe the upcoming lunar eclipse.
“We’re hoping for the best. It should be pretty awesome,” Hathaway stated.
Meir highlighted that auroras offer the best cosmic views. The sun’s recent active phase has made these displays more vibrant. Meir described seeing a particularly impressive aurora as a “green snake” beneath the space station. The spectacle was so radiant that its green hue reflected off the station’s white exterior.
Besides marveling at celestial phenomena, Meir has enjoyed preparing meals in space. She sported a cat-themed apron while sampling mustard greens and kale grown aboard the station. Meir teamed up with fellow astronaut Anil Menon for a cooking segment, “Chez ISS.” Menon arrived in a Russian capsule last month with the intention of continuing the cooking series.
Meir’s personal items included a piccolo, which she used to perform “The Stars and Stripes Forever” with the Boston Pops. The performance occurred on July 4, with her part prerecorded in space. Meir also brought a colorful scarf and eye-catching bell bottoms for a relaxed attire compared to her previous mission’s all-female spacewalk.
Although Hathaway admits to lacking culinary and musical expertise, he finds plenty to engage in aboard the station, including musical jam sessions during weekend karaoke nights.
The astronauts, launched in February, plan to return to Earth in a SpaceX capsule after their replacements arrive. The station’s crew includes members from the United States, Russia, and France.
Credit for support goes to the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. All content is created by The Associated Press.