Six scientists who have been living under a dome on the slopes of a dormant Hawaii volcano for eight months to simulate life on Mars have emerged from isolation.
The crew stepped outside the dome that's 8,000 feet (2,400 metres) up the slopes of Mauna Loa to feel fresh air on their skin yesterday. It was the first time they left without donning a space suit.
The scientists are part of a human performance study funded by NASA that's tracking how they work together as a team. They've been monitored by surveillance cameras, body movement trackers and electronic surveys.
Crew member Jocelyn Dunn says it feels awesome to have the sensation of wind on her skin. She says the first thing she wants to do is to go for a swim.
