NASA
Seeing our planet from space is a rare treat: Fewer than 540 people have ever left the Earth.
Seven astronauts who've blasted off from our planet with NASA came together this week for the premiere of the National Geographic series One Strange Rock. The show, produced by Darren Aronofsky, takes an up-close look at how life on Earth works from a range of perspectives: it juxtaposes macro views of the planet from space with micro-shots of some of the tiniest oxygen-producing organisms, which are four times thinner than a human hair.
Aronofsky said the program aims to show off "the beautiful clockwork" of the Earth. "It's much more complicated than anything a human could conceive of," he said.
The astronauts featured in the series said that leaving the Earth changed how they see our world in remarkable ways. Some gained a different kind of understanding of the science they were taught as kids, while others gained an appreciation for the fact that we don't have to recycle our urine to make coffee here.
The seven astronauts sat down to chat with us about what going to space is really like. Here's what they had to say:
Astronauts have a wide variety of reactions to living in space. Some said it made them feel small and insignificant, others said it make them feel like a god.NASABut one common theme emerged: being in space gives astronauts a chance to connect to their home in a whole new way.
"It got rid of that feeling of insignificance," Astronaut Mae Jemison, who went to space in 1992, said of the experience. "I was as much a part of this universe as any speck of stardust. I had as much right to be here."NASA
Astronaut Jerry Linenger said that when he was looking down at the Earth, he sometimes felt like a cosmic creator. "I am like god!" he said.NASA
But being in space also made him aware of his impermanence in the universe. "I'm just a speck in time," Linenger said. "How life evolved is fascinating... it all came together, and here we are!"NASA
Astronaut Mike Massimino marveled at the supreme curvature of the Earth. He believes there's a good chance other life is out in space somewhere, but said, "I wouldn't be surprised if there's nothing quite as nice as this place."NASA
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
See Also:
- See the incredible 57-year evolution of US spacesuits — and new models that will soon protect NASA astronauts
- NASA astronaut Scott Kelly thinks we should never have all humans on Earth at the same time ever again
- The spacecraft that discovered most of the Earth-like planets we know about is running out of fuel
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