Astronauts Experience Northern Lights and Culinary Delights in Space

Two NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station shared insights on their unique experiences in space. Astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway have been living in the station for six months, and they recently spoke about the celestial spectacles they have witnessed. While their position prevented them from viewing the entire solar eclipse last week, they enjoyed a partial eclipse and are hoping to see the upcoming lunar eclipse.

Hathaway expressed excitement, stating, “We’re hoping for the best. It should be pretty awesome.” However, Meir noted that the auroras remain her favorite spectacle. The sun’s active phase has intensified the northern and southern lights, making them brighter and more vivid. She described a massive solar plasma blast that resulted in the aurora appearing directly beneath the space station, resembling a ‘snake.’ This phenomenon allowed the green light to reflect off the station’s exterior, creating a memorable view.

Apart from observing these natural spectacles, Meir enjoys cooking in space. Donning a cat-themed apron, she has tasted mustard greens and kale grown on the station. This week, she joined fellow astronaut Anil Menon, who arrived last month in a Russian capsule, for the first episode of “Chez ISS,” a cooking show featuring dishes made in orbit. Menon even brought a toque for the occasion, hinting at future culinary episodes.

Meir’s onboard items include a piccolo, which she used to perform “The Stars and Stripes Forever” with the Boston Pops during a prerecorded session. She also packed casual attire like a scarf and vibrant bell bottoms, a contrast to her previous space trip, where she participated in the first all-female spacewalk.

Although Hathaway might not share Meir’s culinary talents, he finds plenty to do, including weekend karaoke nights with musical instruments. Both astronauts were launched in February. Meir, a marine biologist, and Hathaway, a Navy captain, are scheduled to return to Earth via SpaceX once their replacements arrive next month. The current space station crew comprises three Americans, three Russians, and one French astronaut.