Flutes in Space
Four flutes, one astronaut, and the universe for as far as the eye can see.
Catherine “Cady” Coleman, an American astronaut, who joined the crew of the International Space Station in December 2010, has played the flute on Earth for years. When she launched for her third spaceflight, however, she decided to take her love for music with her.
Aside from bringing her own flute, Coleman was able to bring two flutes belonging to members of the Irish group The Chieftains and a fourth flute that belongs to Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull.
In January Coleman talked to National Public Radio from the space station about playing in zero gravity and working out a space-to-ground concert with the Chieftain and Tull flutists.
“It’s just really different,” Coleman said. “I’ve been having the nicest time up in our Cupola—it’s a module that has windows all the way around. I just float around in there and play with my eyes closed. What’s really funny to me is that I’ll suddenly run into something that I had no idea was so close. It’s neat to float around and not know quite where you are, but still be creating your own little world with music.”
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