Astro-Alex Came Home! Posted by Sten on Dec 21, 2018 in Culture, Language
Early in the morning (6 a.m. CET) yesterday, Alexander Gerst landed with two Kollegen (colleagues) with their Soyuz capsule in Kazakhstan. After being fished out of the capsule and a few check-ups, the Astronauten (astronauts) were received alive and well. What did we learn from Alexander Gerst, and what did his time in space mean?
Landung nach 200 Tage Weltraum
Alexander Gerst in 2015 (Image by DLR German Aerospace Center at Flickr.com under license CC BY 3.0)
Alexander Gerst was the first German Commander of the ISS, and the longest a German has ever been in the Weltraum (outer space). By many he is seen as very charismatisch (charismatic), and vereinend (unifying). He talks about topics that concern us all, and that are very much related to the our Zukunft (future).
But apart from being a Botschafter (ambassador), Alexander Gerst was also aboard the space station for many wissenschaftliche Experimente (scientific experiments)
During his stay im All (in space), he shot some memorable pictures and shared them with the world. For example, the following about Taifun (typhoon) Trami, which killed at least two and injured many more.
Als ob jemand einen gigantischen Stöpsel aus der Erde gezogen hätte. Blick ins Auge eines weiteren wütenden Sturms. Kategorie 5 Supertaifun Trami ist unhaltbar auf dem Weg nach Japan und Taiwan. Passt auf euch auf da unten! pic.twitter.com/2qBT1eXRqQ
— Alexander Gerst (@Astro_Alex) September 25, 2018
He says “As if somebody pulled a gigantic plug out of the Earth. View into the eye of another raging storm. Category 5 super typhoon Trami is unstoppable on its way to Japan and Taiwan. Take care of yourselves down there!”
Astro-Alex, how he is often also lovingly called, ended his stay with a rührende Nachricht (moving message) addressing his Enkelkinder (grandchildren). The video has closed captions in both English and German, so it is also a great way to improve your German!
What do you think about this message from Astro-Alex? How is he viewed in your country? Does your country have an iconic Astronaut like Alexander Gerst? Let me know in the comments below!
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About the Author: Sten
Hi! I am Sten, both Dutch and German. For many years, I've written for the German and the Dutch blogs with a passion for everything related to language and culture. It's fascinating to reflect on my own culture, and in the process allow our readers to learn more about it! Besides blogging, I am a German-Dutch-English translator, animator and filmmaker.
Comments:
Veena:
That’s an excellent and breathtaking post with mind-blowing pictures from space.
Thanks
Margaret Ellerton:
This is the first time I have heard of the Astronaut Alexander Gerst. It would be wonderful if his message could be read and heeded, but where are those in power who will take notice? The people are trying to get their attention, but so far not enough is being done.