Is there a cooler job than being an astronaut?
I don’t know that there is.
Astronauts not only get to look down on the Earth from orbit, but they also experience a host of other things that most of us never do. Things like GOING TO FREAKING SPACE!
Here are 11 awesome facts about US astronauts:
#11. They’re serious about recycling.
Photo Credit: DYK
Wanna see it?
I know you do:
#10. Gender equality has reached space.
Photo Credit: DYK
#9. For some things, gravity is best.
Photo Credit: DYK
#8. But we might not need those straps in the future.
Photo Credit: DYK
#7. Silly Putty is an astronaut favorite.
Photo Credit: DYK
#6. Ohio has a lock on humans in orbit.
Photo Credit: DYK
Here’s their commemorative US quarter:
Photo Credit: The US 50
#5. They’ve been honored for contributing to the advancement of TV.
Photo Credit: DYK
#4. They contribute to science in amazing ways.
Photo Credit: DYK
According to NASA:
“In this way, for decades, researchers have carefully traced the moon’s orbit, and they’ve learned some remarkable things, among them:
(1) The moon is spiraling away from Earth at a rate of 3.8 cm per year. Why? Earth’s ocean tides are responsible.
(2) The moon probably has a liquid core.
(3) The universal force of gravity is very stable. Newton’s gravitational constant G has changed less than 1 part in 100-billion since the laser experiments began.Physicists have also used the laser results to check Einstein’s theory of gravity, the general theory of relativity. So far, so good: Einstein’s equations predict the shape of the moon’s orbit as well as laser ranging can measure it. But Einstein, constantly tested, isn’t out of the woods yet. Some physicists…believe his general theory of relativity is flawed. If there is a flaw, lunar laser ranging might yet find it.”
#3. Buzz wants us to keep pushing.
Photo Credit: DYK
Here’s that tweet from 2015:
#2. They need to remember to pee.
Photo Credit: DYK
#1. They get to see the coolest shit.
Photo Credit: DYK
He got a lot of great shots from up there.
If you liked this (or you’re a space nerd), check out:
12 Amazing Pictures From Astronaut Scott Kelly’s Year in Space
Or:
14 Stunning Space Travel Posters from NASA to Inspire the Futuristic Dreamer in You
