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<keyword id="20017832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Skyscanner" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Skyscanner" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Skyscanner">Skyscanner</keyword> has recently launched its annual "<keyword id="23717519" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-Trends-2025" source="keywords">Travel Trends 2025</keyword> Report" and it shows that <keyword id="20183888" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-travellers" source="keywords">Indian travellers</keyword> are eager to explore destinations other than Europe. The report also shows a change in travel preferences, shedding light on the fact that many Indian travellers want shared experiences. It also reveals that 66% of Indians plan to travel more in 2025, looking for adventures that help build community connections.<br /><br />For the unversed, Skyscanner is a travel search engine that helps you find and compare prices for flights, hotels and car rentals, making it easier to plan and save money on your trips.<br /><br /><h2>Spending for experiences</h2>No matter the economic situation, Indian travellers are eager to invest in experiences. Recent data shows a significant increase in spending, with 58% planning to spend more on flights, 45% on accommodation and 34% on car rentals.<br /><br />While people are willing to spend, budget still plays a crucial role in choosing a holiday destination. The top considerations are: 65% look at hotel costs, 62% prioritise flight expenses and 54% consider food and drink prices. This focus on budget has led to lower airfares for destinations like Kazakhstan, Indonesia and Singapore, making travel more affordable.<br /><br /><h2>The rise of <keyword id="23717520" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lesser-known-destinations" source="keywords">lesser-known destinations</keyword></h2>The report also says that travellers are exploring options beyond the usual European destinations. <br /><br />Shillong, India, is currently the most searched destination, with an impressive 828% increase in searches over the past year. <br /><br />Baku, Azerbaijan, follows closely with a 744% rise, and Langkawi, Malaysia, has seen a 433% increase. <br /><br /><h2>Embracing nature and tangible experiences</h2>There’s also a noticeable shift towards experiences that connect travellers with nature and offer a break from our tech-heavy lives. <br /><br />The report mentions that 90% of travellers enjoy visiting gardens and activities like dining around a campfire, sleeping under the stars and horse trekking are becoming more popular. <br /><br /><br /><h2>Rise of <keyword id="19984369" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sports-tourism" source="keywords">sports tourism</keyword> and other adventures</h2>The data also reveals a strong preference for shared experiences and immersive adventures. Trends include a growing interest in live sports events, immersive art experiences, stargazing and holistic wellness. <br /><br />Sports tourism is also on the rise, with 63% of respondents travelling for entertainment, 59% motivated by excitement and 50% hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite sports stars.<br /><br />Astro-adventure tourism is also gaining traction, with 56% of travellers interested in night sky photography, 53% wanting to sleep under the stars and 44% hoping to see the <keyword id="20079917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="northern-lights" source="keywords">Northern Lights</keyword>. This shift shows that many are looking for meaningful experiences.<br /><br />Another interesting trend is game-themed travel, with 88% of travellers inspired to visit locations from their favourite video games. Leisure travel and art-focused trips are also becoming popular.<br /><br />Apart from this, health and wellness tourism is also growing, especially among older generations. The data shows that 71% of those aged 45-54 prioritise health-conscious choices while travelling, compared to 54% of younger travellers (18-24 years old). Overall, 70% of Indian travellers report being more mindful about their health and well-being than ever before.<br /><br />This report thus highlights an exciting year ahead for Indian travellers, marked by a strong focus on shared experiences, immersive adventures, and wellness. As travel preferences evolve, destinations offering unique cultural experiences and good value are likely to attract more interest. Plus, the use of AI tools in travel planning is making it easier for travellers to fulfil their dreams of exploration and connection.<br /><br />

Europe is no longer India's favourite, we are up for experiences now, says Skyscanner report

<ul><li><strong>The Department of Science &amp; Technology (<keyword id="6355529" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dst" source="Orion">DST</keyword>) is working on launching India's first <keyword id="14921039" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="night-sky-sanctuary" source="Orion">Night Sky Sanctuary</keyword> in Ladakh.<br /></strong></li><li><strong>The sanctuary is expected to be ready in the next three months.<br /></strong></li><li><strong>The sanctuary will be a part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary.</strong><br /></li></ul>One of India’s most attractive tourist attractions, Ladakh is closer to bringing the country’s first Night Sky Sanctuary. The sanctuary will be set up in the famous historic village called Hanle as a part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary work is in progress and expected to be completed by the end of this year. <br /><br />The officials are assuming that this development will bring a boost to <keyword id="948926" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="astro-tourism" source="Orion">Astro tourism</keyword>. It will be the world’s highest-located site. Dr Jitendra Singh said that all the stakeholders would jointly work toward preserving the night sky from unwanted light pollution and illumination, which seriously threatens scientific observations and natural sky conditions.<br /><br /><strong>Why is it being developed in Hanle?<br /></strong>Hanle is considered the most suitable area for this because of its cold desert region. Being the highest-located site, Hanle is far away from populated areas, human disturbance or pollution. Minister also stated that the region is best suited because of the year-long clear sky and dry weather conditions.<br /><br />Also, Hanle is the hub spot for telescopes like the Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT), High Energy Gamma Ray telescope (HAGAR), the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment Telescope (MACE) and GROWTH-India telescopes.<br /><br />Dr Annapurni Subramaniam, Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, told The Hindu, “There would be some restrictions during the evening and night to vehicles and headlights. There will be delineators on roads like you do outside observatories. People can come, park, observe the sky and stay in homestays”.<br /><br />Introducing Night Sky Sanctuary will be a great initiative to provide occupation opportunities for people living in Hanle village. The main idea of this development is to promote an environment-friendly area for conducting astronomical observations without any distractions. Also, this new idea will preserve the natural light of the sky.<br /><br />The first Night Sky Sanctuary development will attract tourists from various regions, leading to economic growth.<br /><strong>SEE ALSO:<br /></strong><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/google-pixel-7-pixel-7-pro-and-pixel-watch-to-be-launched-on-october-6/articleshow/94047138.cms">Google Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel Watch to be launched on October 6</a><br /><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/redmi-11-prime-5g-vs-realme-9i-5g-smartphone-comparison-of-price-and-features/slidelist/94026046.cms">Redmi 11 Prime 5G vs Realme 9i 5G</a><br /><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/research/news/scientists-create-remote-controlled-cyborg-cockroaches-that-can-go-under-search-and-rescue-missions/articleshow/94022392.cms">Scientists create remote-controlled cyborg cockroaches that can go under search and rescue missions</a>

India is launching its first Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh to boost Astro tourism

<ul><li><strong><keyword id="6354427" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="apple" source="Orion">Apple</keyword> introduced its Watch Series 8, Watch SE and Watch Ultra at the Far Out event.<br /></strong></li><li><strong>The Watch Series 8 will be available from September 16.<br /></strong></li><li><strong>The watch has a new feature to help women track their ovulation period.</strong></li></ul>Apple has announced the Watch Series 8, Watch SE and Watch Ultra at its Far Out event. The Cupertino-giant also unveiled the highly anticipated iPhone 14 series and Airpods Pro 2. The event kicked off with the <keyword id="12009704" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="apple-watch-series-8" source="Orion">Apple Watch Series 8</keyword>, and there’s much to discuss here. Though the <keyword id="1577486" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="apple-watch" source="Orion">Apple Watch</keyword> Series 8 looks the same as the Watch Series 7, it does pack some noteworthy features, especially for women.<br /><br />The Watch Series 8 doesn’t come with any physical upgrades. It retains the edge-to-edge display and a waterproof design. It has health and fitness features like an ECG sensor, blood oxygen, heartbeat sensor and everything from the Watch Series 7. The new addition is the temperature sensor.<br /><br />Apple has used two sensors - one at the bottom and the other behind the display. The two-sensor design helps give you accurate temperature by reducing bias from the outside. It can even track temperature changes of as small as 0.1-degree. These sensors track temperature data that comes in handy to check body temperature but also benefit women. It tracks temperature every five seconds, and based on these readings, it can allow women to track their ovulation insights. Women can get a retrospective ovulation estimate that can help them know about their time of conception.<br /><br />Another notable feature this time is ‘Crash Detection’. It’s similar to the existing ‘Fall Detection’ feature, but for emergencies like a car crash. In case of a car accident, the Watch Series 8 automatically connects you with emergency services, shares your location and sends a notification to your emergency contacts. The smartwatch uses motion sensors to identify such accidents. <br /><br />Apple is also claiming significant improvement in battery life. With up to 18 hours of backup after a full charge, it still stands close to its predecessor. However, enabling the ‘Low Power’ mode can last up to 36 hours. Note that enabling the low power will restrict the watch's usability and will only use activity tracking and fall detection.<br /><br /><strong>Price and Availability<br /></strong>Apple Watch Series 8 will be available from September 16, 2022. It will be available for ₹45900. The watch will be available in four colours- midnight, starlight, silver and red, whereas the stainless steel model will be available in silver, gold and graphite.<br /><br />Compared to Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE is available at a more reasonable price of ₹29900. The Watch SE will also have International roaming, crash detection, motion sensors and an S8 chip like the Watch Series 8.<br /><strong>SEE ALSO:</strong><br /><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/heres-everything-new-on-the-iphone-14-and-14-pro-dynamic-island-satellite-connectivity-always-on-display-and-more/articleshow/94060331.cms">Here’s everything new on the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro — Dynamic island, satellite connectivity, always-on display and more</a><br /><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/samsung-takes-a-dig-at-apple-saying-let-us-know-when-it-folds-during-iphone-14-series-launch/articleshow/94060635.cms">Samsung takes a dig at Apple, saying “let us know when it folds” during iPhone 14 series launch</a><br /><a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/india-is-launching-its-first-night-sky-sanctuary-in-ladakh-to-boost-astro-tourism/articleshow/94048802.cms">India is launching its first Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh to boost Astro tourism</a><br />

Apple Watch Series 8 brings tiny but important feature upgrades: Here’s what’s new

Delhi has the most accidents, Bangalore the least – Read more about the accident-prone areas in India’s major metros

<ul class="summary-list"><li>William Shatner became the oldest person to journey to space when he flew on Blue Origin in October 2021.</li><li>The 11-minute flight reached 66 miles above Earth, where Shatner may have seen deserts, mountains, and water.</li></ul><p>William Shatner shared a mournful story about his trip to space last year in his new book, saying it left him with intense grief and a new perspective on the beauty of Earth.</p><p>But what did the Star Trek actor see when, last October at age 90, he became the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/star-trek-william-shatner-fly-space-jeff-bezos-blue-origin-2021-10">oldest person to have ever gone to space</a> as he soared aboard <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jeff-bezos-blue-origin-stepping-down-amazon-ceo-space-2021-2">Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin</a> on an 11-minute suborbital flight?</p><p>Shatner, alongside three other crew members, rocketed from Blue Origin's West Texas launch site to about 66 miles above Earth, which is beyond what is internationally recognized as the imaginary "Kármán line" that <a href="https://www.nesdis.noaa.gov/news/where-space">pins the edge of space at 62 miles</a> above mean sea level.</p><p>At that altitude, the astronauts experienced weightlessness and saw the curvature of the planet.</p><div type="image" title="Audrey Powers, Blue Origin's vice president for mission and flight operations, and two paying passengers: Glen de Vries, vice chair for life sciences and healthcare at the French software company Dassault Systèmes; and Chris Boshuizen, co-founder of the Earth-observation company Planet." height="724" width="965" msid="94771731" hostid="261" sizebytes="87704"></div><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/star-trek-william-shatner-fly-space-jeff-bezos-blue-origin-2021-10">Before the journey</a>, Shatner expressed excitement about finally seeing space with his own eyes, describing the opportunity as "a miracle." But in his new book, "Boldly Go: Reflections on a Life of Awe and Wonder," Shatner, who is now 91, described seeing a "cold, dark, black emptiness," saying it "felt like a funeral."</p><p>Shatner's experience is known as the "overview effect." Coined in 1987 by author Frank White in his book, "The Overview Effect — Space Exploration and Human Evolution," the sensation is the cognitive change in how former astronauts view Earth and life from space. </p><p>While Shatner's view of space was described as sad and bleak, he also expressed his newfound appreciation of the beauty of Earth.</p><div type="image" title="William Shatner after the flight." height="1410" width="1885" msid="94771732" hostid="261" sizebytes="198720"></div><p>We of course can't know every detail of what Shatner saw that day, but we can create an idea of what he likely saw from 66 miles above Earth based on interviews, his book, and images from similar space flights.</p><h2><strong>Shatner described space as "seeing death"</strong></h2><p>When thinking about a trip to space, many people may imagine seeing a beautiful array of orange and yellow stars and a shiny moon lighting up the darkness, but Shatner has described something completely different.</p><p>Shortly after his trip, Shatner told Time that he "saw death" in space, and later recounted the sight to <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/william-shatner-space-blue-origin-flight-new-shepard-ominous-blackness-captain-kirk-star-trek-1658825">Newsweek</a> as "ominous blackness."</p><div type="image" title="Photo of Al Bean and the TV taken from just inside the rim of Surveyor Crater." height="634" width="845" msid="94771733" hostid="261" sizebytes="52184"></div><p>"I saw the spaceship coming through the blue, and an instant later it was through the blue; this bullet exploded into the blackness of space, so in that instant I saw the blue suddenly disappear, and suddenly space is smack up in my face," he told Time. </p><p>American aviator <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/wally-funk-82-year-old-jeff-bezos-blue-origin-space-2021-7">Wally Funk</a> who <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/jeff-bezos-guest-wally-funk-describes-dark-short-crowded-spaceflight-2021-7">journeyed on Blue Origin to suborbital space in July 2021</a> at 82 years old, gave a similar account. "We went right on up and I saw darkness," she said at a post-flight conference, <a href="https://nypost.com/2021/07/21/wally-funk-gives-jeff-bezos-blue-origin-flight-lukewarm-review/">reported the New York Post.</a></p><p>Shatner compared the "vicious coldness of space" to the "warm nurturing of Earth below," but did not mention seeing stars. </p><p><a href="https://www.planetary.org/articles/why-are-there-no-stars#:~:text=The%20answer%3A%20The%20stars%20are,too%20faint%20to%20show%20up.">According to non-profit organization The Planetary Society</a>, astronauts can see stars in space, but they are too faint to show up in pictures, which is why images of astronauts on the moon show a black emptiness in the distance.</p><p>Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden said he could see a sky "awash with stars" when in orbit on the far side of the moon where there was no daylight, <a href="https://phys.org/news/2017-08-astronauts-stars-space-station.html">per science news outlet Phys.org</a>. Meanwhile, astronaut Jack Fischer posted a time-lapse of stars and the Milky Way from the International Space Station (ISS) on <a href="https://twitter.com/Astro2fish/status/897931767587516416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E897931767587516416%7Ctwgr%5E8585b2608d5cc2ee2b9a0bfd2a6ddef31dab5e40%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fphys.org%2Fnews%2F2017-08-astronauts-stars-space-station.html">Twitter</a> in 2017.</p><h2><strong>Earth was not in full view</strong></h2><p>Apollo 8's moon orbit in December 1968 was the first time astronauts photographed Earth in its entirety from space, with <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalgeographic.com%2Fscience%2Farticle%2Fearthrise-apollo-8-photo-at-50-how-it-changed-the-world">one of the most awe-inspiring photos from that day being "Earthrise,"</a> shot by lunar module pilot William Anders.</p><p>"Oh my God, look at that picture over there!" he proclaimed. "There's the Earth comin' up. Wow, is that pretty!"</p><p>While the Apollo 8 mission traveled some 234,000 miles away from our home planet, Shatner and Funk's 66-mile journey was not high enough the see the planet in its full form.</p><div type="image" title="&quot;Earthrise&quot; from the moon, taken in 1968." height="664" width="886" msid="94771734" hostid="261" sizebytes="14590"></div><p>"I thought I was going to see the world, but we weren't quite high enough," Funk said.</p><p>However, the mission reached an altitude where the commercial astronauts could see the Earth's curvature, its atmosphere, and its color.</p><p>As for Shatner, <a href="https://www.newsweek.com/william-shatner-space-blue-origin-flight-new-shepard-ominous-blackness-captain-kirk-star-trek-1658825">he told Newsweek</a>: "I could see the beginning and end of Earth. I could see the delicate colors. I could see the beige, the blue, the white of the clouds and how very small it is."</p><p>In a <a href="https://twitter.com/blueorigin/status/1448385762345488395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1448385762345488395%7Ctwgr%5E58f66a9867268ec6e82f6593d92abcd886fd3186%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.businessinsider.com%2Fblue-origin-spaceship-video-william-shatner-gazing-at-earth-2021-10">video</a> released by Blue Origin in October 2021, Shatner can be heard saying, "Oh wow, no description can equal this."</p><p><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/04/the-blue-marble-shot-our-first-complete-photograph-of-earth/237167/">According to The Atlantic</a>, to see Earth as a full blue marble, astronauts would need to journey about 20,000 miles away from it. That's much farther than the ISS' position at about 260 miles above the surface, which is four times as high as Shatner's spaceflight.</p><div type="image" title="Taken June 13, 2003 by astronaut Ed Yu, this is the broadest view of Earth that an astronaut can get from the International Space Station. Ed took this view of the “Big Blue Beach Ball” using a wide angle lens while the Station was over the Pacific Ocean. In the foreground are the atolls of Tabitueua and Onotoa." height="830" width="1340" msid="94771735" hostid="261" sizebytes="41882"></div><p>At the ISS, astronaut Ed Lu <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/EdLu#:~:text=From%20the%20ISS%2C%20the%20distance,entire%20United%20States%20at%20once.">described</a> Earth as "having your face up against a big blue beach ball," where viewers can see about 2,000 miles across, which is still not enough to see the entire US from coast to coast.</p><p>A collection of images posted by <a href="https://twitter.com/futurejurvetson/status/1230540247433265152">Steven Jurvetson, co-founder of investment firm Future Ventures,</a> showed the views of Earth from different altitudes.</p><h2><strong>Shatner may have seen mountain ranges, valleys, and bodies of water</strong></h2><p>Blue Origin's rocket system New Shepard launches and lands in Texas, with the capsule flying over the US.</p><p>Based on <a href="https://www.blueorigin.com/new-shepard/fly/">videos</a> from inside the vehicle, Shatner would have seen shades of brown and blue below, with views of mountains, deserts, valleys, and water. Cities would also be visible from space, <a href="https://affiliate.insider.com?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalgeographic.com%2Fscience%2Farticle%2F110412-yuri-gagarin-anniversary-google-doodle-first-orbit-space-science">according to National Geographic.</a></p><div type="image" title="New Shepard's flight profile." height="664" width="886" msid="94771736" hostid="261" sizebytes="19846"></div><p>Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who was the first person to reach space in 1961, reported a beautiful Earth below.</p><p>Filmmaker Christopher Riley <a href="https://youtu.be/RKs6ikmrLgg">recreated</a> Gagarin's views from his nearly 200-mile-high module in a 2011 documentary called First Orbit, which showed sprawling mountains and rivers.</p><div type="image" title="Yuri Gagarin." height="753" width="1004" msid="94771737" hostid="261" sizebytes="28670"></div><p>In the film, Gagarin said he could see forests, and described Earth as "visible and distinct," but many areas were "covered with cumulus clouds."</p><p>Virgin Galactic, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/virgin-galactic-space-tourism-flights-2023-new-ship-2021-11">a space tourism competitor to Blue Origin</a>, recorded a view of the Sierra Mountains at about 51 miles above Earth during its first spaceflight in 2018.</p><p>Then, during a May 2021 journey, which flew about 55 miles above Earth's surface, Virgin Galactic astronauts <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TVs2lWk_GI&amp;t=80s">reported</a> seeing the Baja California Peninsula and the Sea of Cortez in Mexico.</p><div type="image" title="View of Sierra Nevadas from Virgin Galactic." height="664" width="886" msid="94771738" hostid="261" sizebytes="57488"></div><p>While only Shatner can convey what he saw in space, he has expressed it was a life-changing experience.</p><p>Minutes after returning from his journey, Shatner <a href="http://space.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">told</a> Bezos that he hopes to "never recover, that I can maintain what I feel now."</p><p>"I don't want to lose it," he continued. "It's so much larger than me and life."</p>

Here's what William Shatner would have seen on his trip to space aboard Blue Origin as his new book says it 'felt like a funeral'

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Over two decades, the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/27-best-space-station-photos-show-earth-hidden-beauty-2019-11#the-iss-has-been-orbiting-earth-for-nearly-22-years-its-first-module-launched-into-orbit-on-november-20-1998-1">International Space Station</a> has been humanity's home in space.</li><li>The orbiting laboratory was launched in 1998 and has exceeded its 15-year expected lifespan.</li></ul><p>The <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/27-best-space-station-photos-show-earth-hidden-beauty-2019-11#the-iss-has-been-orbiting-earth-for-nearly-22-years-its-first-module-launched-into-orbit-on-november-20-1998-1">International Space Station</a> has been humanity's only inhabited outpost in space for decades.</p><p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/the-space-station-is-about-celebrate-20-years-human-presence-2020-10">NASA aims</a> to keep the space station going until 2030 and beyond, even opening it up to commercial spaceflight.</p><p>Russia's space agency head <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/russia-pull-iss-2024-build-own-space-station-roscosmos-putin-2022-7">announced</a> on Tuesday that it would pull out of the aging station after 2024. But officials have since told NASA that they would like to keep cooperation going at least until they build their own space station, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/russia-nasa-sticking-with-space-station-until-least-2028-2022-07-27/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">per Reuters</a>. This could mean the ISS would remain a beacon of international collaboration for at least six more years, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/russia-nasa-sticking-with-space-station-until-least-2028-2022-07-27/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reuters reported</a>.</p><p>Here are eight unforgettable moments from the ISS's 24 years in space:</p><h2><strong>The landmark 'Twins Study,' which showed that living in space can change human DNA</strong></h2><h2><div type="image" title="A picture shows identical twin astronauts Mark and Scott Kelly." height="1500" width="2000" msid="93148155" hostid="261"></div></h2><p>Much of the research at the ISS is preparation to understand the effect of space exploration on humans, ahead of putting boots on the moon and Mars. <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-twin-experiment-mars-space-travel-science-2019-4">NASA's groundbreaking "Twins Study" compared</a> the health and biology of astronaut Mark Kelly to his Earth-bound identical twin, Scott Kelly.</p><p>The study, published in 2019, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-twin-experiment-mars-space-travel-science-2019-4">found that Kelly's DNA changed in space.</a> Upon Scott's return to Earth after 340 days aboard the ISS, researchers found that his telomeres — the protective caps at the end of DNA strands — were unexpectedly longer than Mark's telomeres.</p><p>Scientists are also conducting experiments aboard the ISS to <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/iss-20-years-20-breakthroughs#Methods%20to%20combat%20muscle%20atrophy%20and%20bone%20loss">combat bone and muscle loss</a>. According to <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/b4h-3rd/hh-preventing-bone-loss-in-space">NASA</a>, astronauts lose between 1 and 2% of their bone density for every month spent in space.</p><h2>The first observation of an unusual 'cool-flame' </h2><h2><div type="image" title="An experiment abord the ISS shows the appearance of a 'steadily-burning cool flame'." height="480" width="639" msid="93148156" hostid="261"></div></h2><p>During an <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/cool_flame.html">unrelated experiment</a>, conducted in 2012, scientists aboard the ISS were able to observe large fuel droplets of heptane extinguishing twice. While the initial burn was at the traditional higher temperature, the second time it went out, the scientists observed low-temperature, soot-free flames in steadily burning fuels for the first time.</p><p>This so-called "cool flame" flickers at about 600 degrees Celsius (about 1,120 degrees Fahrenheit), according to <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/cool_flame.html">NASA.</a> That's about half the temperature of a candle flame, which burns at about 1,400 degrees Celsius (2,500 degrees Fahrenheit).</p><p>The flame burns for much longer in a low-gravity environment, such as aboard the ISS, which allowed the scientists to see the flame in heptane fuel burn for the first time, according to NASA. </p><p>The discovery could help scientists use fuel more efficiently in the future, and improve fire safety on the ISS.</p><h2>Astronauts send the first tweets from the ISS</h2><p>In 2010, astronaut Timothy "TJ" Creamer sent the first live tweet from the International Space Station, after the space station updated to a better internet connection, which allowed astronauts access to social media. </p><p>This, however, was not the first tweet sent from an astronaut aboard the ISS.</p><p>Access to the internet on the space station was limited until 2010, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/topics/people/features/massimino_tweet.html">so astronaut Mike Massimino had a tweet sent by NASA on his behalf in 2009</a>. Massimino transmitted messages to NASA's Mission Control Center on Earth and NASA tweeted them out:</p><p>"From orbit: Launch was awesome!! I am feeling great, working hard, &amp; enjoying the magnificent views, the adventure of a lifetime has begun," Massimo tweeted, with help from NASA.</p><h2>The ISS became one of the first space tourism destinations</h2><h2><div type="image" title="Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa floats inside the International Space Station." height="632" width="843" msid="93148157" hostid="261"></div></h2><p>The first space tourist was Dennis Tito, a US millionaire who boarded the ISS on April 30, 2001, and stayed aboard for eight days.</p><p>In total, 14 people have gone to the space station as commercial spaceflight participants, the official term for space tourists, including Cirque du Soleil founder <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/stevenbertoni/2011/06/09/why-cirque-du-soleil-billionaire-guy-laliberte-traveled-to-space/?sh=6d73f527cb2c">Guy Laliberté</a>, Russian film director <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/billionaire-80m-iss-trip-leaders-space-yusaku-maezawa-spacex-2021-12">Klim Shipenko, actor Yulia Peresild</a>, billionaire<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/billionaire-80m-iss-trip-leaders-space-yusaku-maezawa-spacex-2021-12"> Yusaku Maezawa</a>, and production assistant, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/billionaire-80m-iss-trip-leaders-space-yusaku-maezawa-spacex-2021-12">Yozo Hirano</a>.</p><p>NASA also opened ISS commercial space opportunities in recent years. In April 2022, Axiom Space, a commercial aerospace company, launched the first private mission to the ISS. "We are opening a new era in human spaceflight," Michael López-Alegría, a former NASA astronaut, who is also an Axiom executive and mission commander, <a href="https://twitter.com/CommanderMLA/status/1509941831043276811" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said on Twitter in April</a>. "We are taking the first step in a next generation platform initiative that's going to bring working, living, and research in space to a much broader and more international audience."</p><h2>Astronauts grew plants on the ISS and made space tacos</h2><p>Astronauts have successfully grown fresh food aboard the space station, in order to help NASA study plant growth in low gravity, give them fresh grub, and gain insights into how to provide future spacefarers with a sustainable, long-lasting food source. The agency says the ISS astronauts have successfully harvested <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/content/growing-plants-in-space">three types of lettuce</a>, <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/astronauts-harvest-radish-crop-on-international-space-station">radishes</a>, and <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/research/news/veggie.html">peas</a>. In 2021, scientists aboard the ISS cultivated the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-grew-chili-peppers-in-space-astronaut-used-them-tacos-2021-11">chili peppers grown in space</a>, using them, along with fajita beef and vegetables, to make the first space tacos. </p><p>Astronauts are not just growing edible plants. In 2016, astronaut Scott Kelly shared photos of his <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/first-flower-grown-in-space-stations-veggie-facility">space-grown zinnia flower</a>, making it the first flower to bloom in space. </p><h2>A Russian film crew filmed the first fiction movie fully shot in space</h2><p>A <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/billionaire-80m-iss-trip-leaders-space-yusaku-maezawa-spacex-2021-12">Russian film crew</a> went to the ISS in October 2021 to film a full, feature-length film aboard the space station. The film follows a Russian doctor sent to the station to treat a critically ill cosmonaut.</p><p>"I'm feeling a bit sad today," actress Yulia Peresild said on Russian state TV, after landing on Earth after 12 days of filming, according to <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/historic-first-russian-film-crew-lands-shoot-iss-rcna3148">CBS News</a>. "It seemed that 12 days would be a lot, but I did not want to leave when everything was over."<br /><br /></p><div type="image" title="yulia peresild adjusts spacesuit neck line headset" height="2000" width="2666" msid="93148159" hostid="261"></div><p>Still, there is controversy about whether this is the first fiction production filmed in space. An eight-minute movie shot by space tourist Richard Garriot, called "<a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6697288/">Apogee of Fear,</a>" took place aboard the ISS in 2008 and starred astronauts on the ISS. </p><h2>An ongoing example of international cooperation in a divided world</h2><div type="image" title="View of an aurora taken from the International Space Station as it crossed over the southern Indian Ocean on September 17, 2011." height="787" width="1188" msid="93148160" hostid="261"></div><p>The ISS has been a shining example of international collaboration since it launched in 1998. The station involves space agencies from the United States, Europe, Canada, and Japan, with a rotating crew of astronauts.</p><p>As of May 2022, hundreds of individuals from 20 countries have visited the ISS, according to <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/visitors-to-the-station-by-country/">NASA</a>. </p><p>In July 2022, amid high tension between Russia and the US over the war in Ukraine, Russia's space agency announced its plans to pull out of the ISS after 2024, ending a decades-long partnership with NASA at the orbiting outpost. In a July 26 statement, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said the agency has not been notified by Roscosmos of any plans to end ISS cooperation.</p><p>"NASA is committed to the safe operation of the International Space Station through 2030, and is coordinating with our partners," Nelson said in the statement, according to <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/26/science/russia-space-station.html">The New York Times.</a> "NASA has not been made aware of decisions from any of the partners."</p><h2>Dazzling views of Earth from space — including auroras and volcanic eruptions </h2><div type="image" title="The city lights of Italy, including the French island of Corse and Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily, are pictured from the International Space Station." height="3712" width="5568" msid="93148162" hostid="261"></div><p>Astronauts aboard the ISS — like the station itself — are traveling at 17,500 mph, 250 miles above the planet, and orbiting it every 90 minutes. With this vantage point, they regularly share beautiful images looking down at Earth, snapping shots of phenomena like aurora, harsh storms, <a href="https://www.cnet.com/science/iss-astronauts-snap-staggering-volcano-eruption/">volcanic eruptions,</a> and light pollution. In a 1987 book, author Frank White coined the term "<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/overview-effect-nasa-apollo8-perspective-awareness-space-2015-8">the overview effect</a>," referring to the high astronauts report experiencing after seeing Earth from space.</p>

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