Ron Garan’s Space Journey and the ‘Overview Effect’

When former NASA astronaut Ron Garan spent 178 days aboard the International Space Station, he experienced the “overview effect”—a deep cognitive shift astronauts often feel when viewing Earth from space. Garan saw a fragile, interconnected planet without borders or divisions.

One of his most profound realizations was the thinness of Earth’s atmosphere, which he described as “paper-thin,” highlighting how delicate our life-support system truly is. He also saw Earth as a vibrant biosphere teeming with life, unmarked by the man-made constructs we focus on daily.

From space, Garan observed that we’re “living a lie”—treating Earth and its systems as economic afterthoughts. Upon returning, he became an advocate for reversing our priorities: putting planet first, then society, and finally economy.

Garan’s message echoes that of other astronauts who’ve seen Earth from above: we are deeply connected, and protecting our planet is essential. With awareness, he believes we can build a peaceful, sustainable future.