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Amidst floating candy canes and a makeshift snowman fashioned from storage bags, the astronauts on the International Space Station congregated to extend Christmas greetings to those on the planet.
Expedition 72 commander Sunita “Suni” Williams, adorned with a pair of festive reindeer antlers, teamed up with fellow NASA astronauts Barry “Butch” Wilmore, Don Pettit, and Nick Hague to spread some holiday joy from their remote home, located 260 miles (420 kilometers) above Earth.
“It’s a wonderful season here,” Williams expressed in a video recorded on Monday (Dec. 23). “We have the chance to celebrate with our entire family aboard the International Space Station. There are seven of us here, so we will enjoy each other’s company.”
Apart from the four NASA astronauts, the station’s crew also comprises Alexey Ovchinin, Ivan Vagner, and Aleksandr Gorbunov from Russia’s federal space agency Roscosmos.
“During the Christmas season, it’s crucial to spend moments with friends, family, and dear ones. This year, we will be in orbit, separated from them,” stated Hague, who is set to head back to Earth in March. “We’re not the only ones who will be away from our families during the holidays. There’s a significant team on the ground supporting us in mission control centers worldwide.”
“I wish to express my gratitude for the sacrifices they are collectively undertaking. We collaborate closely with the teams on the ground every day and throughout the holidays, we uphold this mission,” he stated.
The ground units arranged a special festive meal for the crew aboard the station, which Pettit briefly showcased in the video.
“Christmas is associated with culinary delights and celebrations. And, wow, do we have a banquet prepared up here,” he remarked.
Moreover, in addition to the food and goodies, the crew also possesses a small artificial Christmas tree adorned with decorations featuring photos of their families.
Hague, Pettit, and Wilmore sported Santa hats for their message, with Wilmore, originally from Tennessee, stretching his over a cowboy hat. Wilmore is also an ordained minister and committed Christian, prompting him to remind everyone of the spiritual significance of the holiday as well.
“And, naturally, Christmas is about Christ. Hallelujah, a savior is born,” Wilmore said.
The astronauts concluded their message with a heartfelt, “Merry Christmas!”
If you’re intending to gaze at the night sky this festive season, our Christmas night sky guide offers tips on observing Venus and other celestial bodies. And for those with a penchant for history, be sure to explore our Star of Bethlehem guide as astronomers debate its possible identity.
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