Continued from yesterday（延續自昨日）
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Living on the ISS is challenging due to the absence of gravity. Astronauts must strap themselves into sleeping bags to prevent floating away while they sleep. They also spend about two hours exercising daily using specialized equipment. Despite this, microgravity can cause muscle loss, bone density reduction and cardiovascular changes. As a result, astronauts require extensive rehabilitation upon their return to Earth.
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
In spite of these difficulties, astronauts often describe their experience on the ISS as life-changing. One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of living aboard the space station is the unparalleled view of Earth. Traveling at a speed of roughly 28,000 kilometers per hour, the ISS completes a full orbit around the planet every 92 minutes. This rapid orbit provides astronauts with a unique perspective because they get to witness 16 sunrises and sunsets each day and marvel at the planet’s beauty -- from glowing city lights to vast oceans and expansive landscapes.
In addition to being a hub for scientific research, the ISS functions as a platform for international diplomacy and education. It inspires the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers, demonstrating what can be achieved through cooperation and a shared vision. As astronauts gaze out at the Earth from the windows of the ISS, they are constantly reminded of the fragility and interconnectedness of the planet they call home.
由於沒有重力，在國際太空站上生活充滿了挑戰。太空人必須把自己綁好固定在睡袋裡，以免在睡覺時飄走。他們每天還需要用專門的設備來運動約兩小時。儘管如此，微重力環境仍可能導致肌肉流失、骨密度降低以及心血管系統的變化。因此，太空人一回到地球後就需要進行全面的復健。
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
儘管面臨這些困難，太空人往往將在國際太空站上的經歷形容為足以改變人生的。住在太空站上最令人歎為觀止的其中一點就是能看到無與倫比的地球景色。國際太空站以大約每小時兩萬八千公里的速度運行，每九十二分鐘繞地球一整圈。這種快速的軌道運行賦予太空人獨特的視角，因為他們每天能目睹十六次日出和日落，並為地球的美麗──從絢爛的城市燈光到廣闊的海洋和遼闊的地貌──感到驚歎。
除了作為科學研究的中心，國際太空站還是國際外交與教育的平臺。它激勵著下一代的科學家、工程師和探險家，展示了能夠透過合作與共同願景來實現的事物。當太空人從國際太空站的窗戶向外凝視地球時，他們不斷被提醒著這顆他們稱之為家的星球的脆弱與彼此的緊密聯繫。
Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock
What Did You Learn?
1. According to the passage, which of the following statements about the ISS is NOT true?
(A) It orbits Earth at an altitude of approximately 400km.
(B) Its construction and operation involved multiple nations working together.
(C) It was fully constructed and operational within its first year of development.
(D) Its purpose is to advance knowledge that benefits life on Earth and in space.
2. Which of the following best describes the astronauts’ food and water on the ISS?
(A) Ready-to-eat snacks and rainwater collected on the station.
(B) Freshly cooked meals and bottled water brought from Earth.
(C) Canned food and fresh water filtered from ice crystals in space.
(D) Dehydrated food and purified water made from recycled sources.
3. What is a major problem astronauts face due to the lack of gravity on the ISS?
(A) Their muscles weaken and their bones lose density.
(B) Their equipment often fails to function properly.
(C) They have trouble sleeping for long periods.
(D) They experience constant dizziness.
4. According to the passage, which of the following is an opinion, NOT a fact?
(A) Astronauts on the ISS observe 16 sunrises and sunsets daily.
(B) Astronauts say their time aboard the ISS changes their lives.
(C) The ISS serves as a platform to promote international cooperation.
(D) The ISS travels around Earth in a complete orbit every 92 minutes.
答案：
1. C
2. D
3. A
4. B
Word in Use
1. strap vt. 綁上，捆住
Nancy strapped her son into a special car seat.
南西把兒子繫在一個特別的汽車座椅上。
2. specialized a. 專門的
This medical condition is not diagnosable without the help of specialized equipment. 這種病況沒有專業設備的協助是無法診斷出來的。
3. density n. 密度
Mercury has a much greater density than water.
水銀的密度比水大得多。
*mercury [ `mRkyJrI ] n. 水銀
4. extensive a. 大規模的；廣大的
The city is investing in an extensive public transportation system to improve connectivity.
該城市正在投資建設大規模的大眾運輸系統，以改善交通連接。
5. awe-inspiring a. 令人敬畏的
The awe-inspiring opera left me completely speechless.
那齣令人震撼的歌劇讓我完全說不出話來。
Practical Phrases
1. the absence of. . . 缺乏∕沒有……
The absence of rain during the summer months led to severe drought in the region. 夏季缺乏降雨導致該地區嚴重乾旱。
2. describe A as B 將 A 描寫成 B
The manager described the project as challenging but rewarding. 經理將這個計畫形容為具有挑戰性但值得的。
3. marvel at. . . 對……感到驚奇
All of us marveled at the fantastic views from Taipei 101. 我們對從101大樓鳥瞰下來的美景大呼驚奇。
4. function as. . . 作為……的用途
Our study also functions as a guest room. 我們的書房同時也拿來當作客房用。
5. remind sb of. . . 讓某人想起……
You remind me of a girl I knew when I was in high school. 妳讓我想起高中時認識的一個女生。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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