"Mission to Mars May Warp Astronauts Brains"
by Nsikan Akpan
One day, space explorers might stroll along the red rocks of Mars. But radiation exposure during the trip may wipe away their memories of home.
A new report says that cosmic rays can change the physical architecture of the mind’s nerves, harming the brain regions that govern memory.
Cosmic rays, comprised of high-speed atomic particles, blanket the Milky Way galaxy. The radiation constantly bombards our planet, but the Earth’s magnetic field and its atmosphere save us from the most dangerous rays.
People who venture into deep space aren’t so lucky, as cosmic rays can easily penetrate a spaceship’s metallic hull or a space helmet. So before NASA sends anyone into deep space, they want to figure out the possible long-term ramifications of exposure to cosmic radiation.
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"In Space, Take Protein Pills, Get Sriracha On"
by Talia Mindich
“(Astronauts) may be massively adapted to a wide range of odors and really unable to smell anything new,” said Dalton, who has done research regarding smell for NASA. “But that of course hasn’t really been confirmed because nobody’s done smell testing in space, unfortunately.”
Microgravity has a unique effect on each crewmember. Wheelock so craved the fragrance of fresh fruit that he kept an apple that was delivered during a resupply in his sleep compartment for three weeks. NASA astronaut Don Pettit, on the other hand, said food tastes better in space.
It’s like eating in waist-deep snow on a camping trip, said NASA astronaut Don Pettit, who has logged more than 370 days in space. “You’ve been working hard all day, and the food tastes really good.”
Pettit enjoyed beef brisket, ham-steak, and other meats topped with Sriracha or Tabasco.
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Question
Use the excerpts to answer the question.
Based on the excerpts, how do the goals of the authors compare?
(1 point)
Responses
Like the first excerpt, the goal of the author of the second excerpt is to compare and contrast the experiences of astronauts.
Like the first excerpt, the goal of the author of the second excerpt is to compare and contrast the experiences of astronauts.
Like the first excerpt, the goal of the author of the second excerpt is to challenge widely accepted views of cosmic radiation.
Like the first excerpt, the goal of the author of the second excerpt is to challenge widely accepted views of cosmic radiation.
Unlike the first excerpt, the goal of the author of the second excerpt is to present opposing views on a neutral effect of space travel.
Unlike the first excerpt, the goal of the author of the second excerpt is to present opposing views on a neutral effect of space travel.
Unlike the first excerpt, the goal of the author of the second excerpt is to offer a solution to a significant issue.