The holidays are getting closer and closer and that brought up the question of how do astronauts celebrate Christmas and New Year?
While millions of people on the planet celebrate the Christmas and New Year surrounded by family, traditional foods and festive lights. But what about the astronauts who orbit the Earth in the International Space Station? Recently, the POT revealed that they find unique ways to maintain the spirit of these festivities.
Despite being more than 400,000 kilometers away from home, the crew manages to transform the limited, high-tech space of the station into a warm place to celebrate. The cultural diversity of the ISS crews turns the celebrations into an exchange of traditions.
For example, an Italian astronaut might share his story about eating panettone, while a Japanese explains the symbolism of mochi in his country. This mix of cultures not only enriches the festivities, but also strengthens the spirit of friendship among astronauts.
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How they celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in space
On the ISS, the lack of gravity does not prevent astronauts from decorating their surroundings. It is common for them to hang small artificial Christmas trees, LED lights and even traditional red stockings near the work consoles. Besides, each astronaut receives a special package sent from Earthwhich includes gifts and messages from their families, helping to maintain the Christmas spirit.
On December 25 and December 31, the astronauts They usually coordinate a video call with their loved ones on Earth, a tradition that allows for a crucial emotional connection for those who spend long periods in space. These virtual gatherings remind them that even though they are basically far away, they are still part of the family festivities.
In New Year, Things get a little more experimental. Some crews try typical foods from the countries participating in the mission. For example, Russian cosmonauts often carry Olivier salad and caviar in tubes, while Japanese astronauts might include curry rice or dried miso soup on their holiday menu.
What foods can they eat
Although the festivities on the ISS are special, are not without challenges. Meals must meet strict preservation and nutrition standards, and the absence of gravity means that even a toast with juice (alcohol is prohibited in space) it can be complicated. However, the resilience and creativity of astronauts transform these limitations into opportunities to create new traditions.
Christmas and New Year’s celebrations in space are a reminder that, even in the most extreme circumstances, humans find ways to connect with their roots and those they love most. For astronauts, these dates are not only a pause in their scientific tasks, but also a time to remember that, in such a large universe, The connection with home remains essential.
Source: Ambito
I’m a recent graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism. I started working as a news reporter for 24 Hours World about two years ago, and I’ve been writing articles ever since. My main focus is automotive news, but I’ve also written about politics, lifestyle, and entertainment.
