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Astronauts stationed aboard the International Space Station for the past half-year have a surprising conclusion about cosmic phenomena: auroras outshine eclipses as celestial spectacles. Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway shared their perspective Wednesday with The Associated Press, noting that while they observed a partial solar eclipse last week from their orbital vantage point, the space station’s trajectory prevented them from witnessing totality.
Meir, who commands the station, described a particularly striking encounter with the aurora borealis following a major solar plasma ejection. The green glow materialized directly beneath their location rather than appearing distant near the poles, creating an unforgettable display. “It looked like a snake making its way right beneath us and that was a really extraordinary one,” Meir explained, noting how the radiance reflected off the station’s white exterior.
The astronauts attributed the heightened auroral activity to the sun’s current busy cycle, which intensifies the northern and southern lights’ brilliance and movement patterns. Both Meir and Hathaway indicated they would attempt to observe an upcoming lunar eclipse despite their modest viewing success during the previous week’s solar event.
Beyond celestial observation, Meir has filled her station time with culinary experiments in microgravity, including preparation of station-grown vegetables while wearing a space-themed apron. She performed John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever” with the Boston Pops on July 4 using a piccolo she transported aboard, with her recording made in orbit.
Crewmate Anil Menon, who arrived last month via Russian capsule, launched a cooking program titled “Chez ISS” this week alongside Meir. Menon brought professional chef attire specifically for the series. The pair, along with Hathaway—a Navy captain—will depart Earth via SpaceX once their replacements arrive next month, concluding their February launch missions.
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