Highlights from NASA’s #YearInSpace so far

May 6, 2015

Sky-watchers will know that it’s been just over a month since NASA (the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration) dispatched a team to the International Space Station (ISS) to conduct a year-long study on the effects of space on the human body.

Since he arrived at the ISS on March 30, astronaut Scott Kelly has been documenting the start of his #YearInSpace with breathtaking photos of our home planet.

Here are some of the highlights from the past month:

Scientists hope the mission will give a clear indication of what happens to the human body after prolonged periods in space, and can provide the information and knowledge that could assist in preparing humans for a mission further into space to help unlock the secrets of the galaxies.

If you find the secrets of space as fascinating as we do, we've got another fascinating stargazing evening lined up at Maropeng this month. This month's evening, “Our deep southern skies”, will see our resident astronomer, Vincent Nettman, turn his telescope on the southern region of the sky, where two-thirds of all the stars we can see from Earth are concentrated.

The evening at the Tumulus Restaurant includes welcome drinks and a buffet dinner. You can book here.