Transmitting From Space: ‘The Earth Looks Sick And Very, Very Fragile’

American astronaut Scott Kelly is transmitting from space: ‘The Earth looks sick and very, very fragile’. In one of his final interviews from the International Space Station, the astronaut commented on the home planet’s atmosphere from aboard the ISS and it sure didn’t sound very good.

Many of you may have read books and seen many movies about space. It’s quite a popular topic. But what about what happens in real life? Well, flying in space isn’t just for science fiction characters. It’s a real job. Real people can apply for it and one of those people who share a special passion for space for a long time, is called Scott Kelly.

Scott is currently in his 501st day in space over six different missions and the 321st day of his one-year mission aboard the International Space Station. He has now been in space longer than any other U.S. astronaut. He is expected to return home in March.

Until his long-awaited return, Scott spoke recently with CNN’s Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta via satellite. During his time at the space station, Kelly has remained active on social media and often shares his unique perspective of the planet by posting photos.

Day 321. Beautiful #Earth. Beautiful #Africa. #GoodNight from @space_station! #YearInSpace pic.twitter.com/wmDjH28zej

— Scott Kelly (@StationCDRKelly) February 12, 2016

Because of his spectacularly encompassing vantage point, Gupta asked Kelly how he would define the Earth’s condition if it were a human body.

There are definitely parts of Asia, Central America that when you look at them from space, you’re always looking through a haze of pollution.

the astronaut declared. He also added that, as far as the atmosphere is concerned and as far as being able to see the surface, the areas mentioned above definitely looked sick. He stated, in the same declaration, that he noticed weather systems, such as tropical cyclones, in unexpected locations.

Besides expressing his concern regarding the Earth’s safety, there is something more to the astronaut’s story. Part of Scott’s current mission includes conducting a twin health study.

The study is comparing the mental and physical toll on Kelly’s body in space with his twin brother, retired astronaut Mark Kelly, who lives on Earth. The medical tests are measuring the impact of zero gravity on bone density, vision, blood, heart and cells, as well as the psychological impact on mood, stress and cognitive functions.

Kelly confessed that he is doing well, although he feels like he’s been up in space for a really long time and looks forward to getting home soon.

In short, there is nothing to be alarmed about. Kelly finally spoke of how being in space was an amazing experience and that there was indeed a possibility of alien life out there somewhere.

Image Source: nasa.gov.