Space Station Astronauts Share Their Celestial Experiences

Eclipses are impressive, but the true spectacle is witnessing the auroras from space. This insight comes from NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, onboard the International Space Station for the last six months.

While their position on the space station didn’t allow them to observe last week’s solar eclipse in totality, they did enjoy a partial view. They’re looking forward to trying to catch next week’s lunar eclipse.

“We’re hoping for the best. It should be pretty awesome,” Hathaway mentioned.

Meir stated that the best celestial display is the auroras. With solar activity at its peak, the northern and southern lights have been more intense and vibrant. She recalled an instance when a large solar plasma burst caused the green aurora to appear directly beneath them, creating a striking sight that resembled a “snake making its way right beneath us.” The green light reflected off the station’s exterior, adding to the experience.

Aside from observing space wonders, Meir enjoys cooking in orbit. Wearing a cat-themed apron, she sampled mustard greens and kale grown on the station. Together with crewmate Anil Menon, who wore a chef’s hat, she participated in “Chez ISS,” a cooking episode that aired this week. Menon, who arrived in a Russian capsule last month, brought a cooking apron and toque for future episodes. Meir’s travel gear also included a piccolo. She recorded a rendition of John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever” with the Boston Pops from space for the July 4 celebration.

In addition to culinary pursuits, Meir enjoys wearing a fancy scarf and glittery violet bell bottoms, which provide a more relaxed ensemble than the attire she wore on her previous mission, where she partook in the first all-female spacewalk.

While Hathaway doesn’t possess culinary or musical skills, he remains engaged. “There’s always something to do,” he stated, highlighting weekend karaoke sessions featuring guitars and other instruments.

Having launched in February, Meir, a marine biologist, and Hathaway, a Navy captain, plan to return to Earth via SpaceX once their replacements arrive the following month. The current crew comprises three Americans, three Russians, and a French astronaut.

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