Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Christmas on the International Space Station: Astronauts tweet festive cheer

We wonder how they're cooking their turkey though

Tom Mendelsohn
Thursday 25 December 2014 12:20 GMT
Comments
ISS astronauts in their video message
ISS astronauts in their video message

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Christmas Day might mean peace on Earth and goodwill to men - but that's not to say it must be confined to either, as astronaut Sam Cristoforetti has demonstrated today.

The Italian, currently stationed on the International Space Station, has wished the world a merry Christmas, posting an incredible picture of our planet as she whizzed by, and somehow persuading Santa Claus to pop in for a selfie.

She and her colleagues, Americans Barry Wilmore and Terry Wirts, also managed to find the time to record a special Christmas video for the world.

Meanwhile, last night, the ISS was spotted in the heavens over Britain. It was at its most visible point from earth at around 5.20pm, when it appeared as a small ball of light crossing the sky. A couple of enterprising photographers managed to catch some great snaps as the satellite blasted its way across the firmament above London.

The path of The International Space Station (top straight line) is seen from central London on December 24, 2014. The trails of two aircraft on their way to Heathrow are seen below
The path of The International Space Station (top straight line) is seen from central London on December 24, 2014. The trails of two aircraft on their way to Heathrow are seen below (JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP/Getty)

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in