As the world prepares to bid adieu to 2024 and welcome 2025, US astronaut Sunita Williams, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), is in for a unique experience. Due to the ISS’s incredible orbital speed, Williams will witness not one, not two, but 16 stunning sunrises on New Year’s Day.
A Result of ISS’s Orbital Speed
The ISS orbits the Earth at an astonishing speed of approximately 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,400 miles per hour). This results in the space station completing one orbit around our planet every 90 minutes. As a consequence, the crew on board experiences 16 sunrises and sunsets every 24 hours.
Celebrating New Year’s in Space
Despite witnessing multiple sunrises, the ISS crew follows the Universal Time Clock (UTC), which is closely related to the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone in London. This allows them to celebrate the New Year at a unified time, along with the rest of the world.
Sunita Williams’ Extended Stay on ISS
Williams’ extended stay on the ISS is not just about taking in the breathtaking views of our planet. She is also part of several ongoing experiments and research projects aimed at advancing our understanding of space and its effects on the human body. Her return to Earth is scheduled for February 2025 aboard SpaceX’s Dragon capsule.
A Unique Perspective on Time and Space
As Williams and her crew welcome 2025, they will do so with a unique perspective on time and space. Their experience serves as a poignant reminder of the incredible feats of human ingenuity and exploration that continue to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible.
Stay tuned for more updates on Sunita Williams’ journey and the latest developments from the world of space exploration.
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