Hey Lykkers, imagine heading out on an adventure and coming back nearly 10 years older! That's what happened to NASA astronaut Suni Williams, who spent 288 days in space and returned looking completely different.

Her once brown hair turned fully white, and her face showed clear signs of fatigue. But why did this happen? Let's dive into the details!

Stress is the Biggest Culprit

When Suni Williams left Earth last June, her hair was still a rich brown color. Even US President Donald Trump once called her "the woman with wild hair." However, when she landed back on Earth this week, her hair had turned completely white. So, what caused this drastic change?

According to research cited by the Daily Mail, stress plays a major role in turning hair white. When the body is under intense stress, it releases adrenaline and cortisol, which rapidly deplete the stem cells responsible for producing melanin—the pigment that gives hair its color. And guess what? Space is one of the most stressful environments a human can experience.

Floating in Space Takes a Toll

While floating around in zero gravity might look cool, it's far from easy on the human body. During her stay at the International Space Station (ISS), Williams' photos and videos often showed her hair either loose or tied loosely. This is because, in a microgravity environment, body fluids move upwards, increasing pressure on the scalp. Combined with the stress of constant adaptation, this can cause changes in hair and skin.

Weak Muscles and Fragile Skeleton

Spending nearly 10 months in space isn't just hard on the hair—it's tough on muscles and skeleton too. Williams had previously made headlines in 2007 for running the Boston Marathon on the space station's treadmill. But this time, after 288 days in space, her physical condition visibly declined.

In zero gravity, astronauts lose about 1% of their skeletal mass every month. That's equivalent to aging a year for every month spent in space! Even though NASA requires astronauts to exercise for 2.5 hours daily to minimize this loss, studies show that astronauts aged 30 to 50 who spend six months in space can lose up to 50% of their muscle strength.

Heart and Circulation Get Messed Up

Another serious issue is how space affects blood flow and heart function. Without gravity, blood tends to pool in the upper body, leading to facial puffiness while the legs lose volume and appear thin—a condition some call "chicken legs." Prolonged exposure to this environment can also lead to heart rhythm abnormalities and even blood clots, putting astronauts at risk of developing "spaceflight venous thrombosis."

Radiation Exposure Accelerates Aging

Here's the scariest part—radiation in space is more than 10 times what we experience on Earth. Without the protection of Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field, astronauts are constantly exposed to high levels of radiation. Studies show that astronauts' DNA repair systems work overtime in space, equivalent to the damage caused by smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.

Fatigue, Loss of Appetite, and Skin Issues

In addition to all these problems, astronauts also face fatigue, loss of appetite, and increased skin sensitivity. Imagine going through 16 sunrises and sunsets every day! This constant disruption of the body's natural rhythm takes a toll on overall health. Despite these challenges, Williams and her colleague Butch Wilmore endured for nearly 10 months.

NASA's Compensation Shocks Many

Now, here's the part that's left people surprised—despite all the risks and hardships, the additional compensation NASA reportedly provides for six months of extra work amounts to only $1,148 (around 8,954 HKD). For such an intense and demanding mission, many feel this amount is way too little.

Why Space Travel is So Tough

Space travel might sound exciting, but the physical and mental challenges astronauts face are no joke. From accelerated aging and weakened muscles to potential heart issues and radiation exposure, spending extended time in space can take a heavy toll.

What's Next for Williams?

Despite the challenges, Suni Williams remains a symbol of strength and perseverance. Her dedication to exploring space has paved the way for future astronauts. But her story also serves as a reminder of the immense sacrifices astronauts make.

Lykkers, can you imagine spending nearly a year in space and coming back with so many changes? What do you think about the challenges astronauts face? Let's chat in the comments!