Debunking myths about space travel

Debunking myths about space travel can be fun! Let's go through a few:

Can you scream in outer space, and would anyone hear it?

In outer space, there is no air or medium for sound to travel through, so sound waves cannot propagate. Therefore, if you were to scream in space, no one would hear it.

Do shooting stars actually represent stars?

No, shooting stars are not stars at all. They are small space rocks called meteoroids that enter Earth's atmosphere and create a stunning light show as they burn up. They are commonly referred to as shooting stars, but they are not stars.

Do meteors crash into Earth only on rare occasions?

Contrary to popular belief, meteoritic material falls on Earth on a daily basis. Scientists estimate that about 48 tons of meteoritic material falls on Earth each day. However, most of this material is vapourized in Earth's atmosphere, so it does not result in a visible impact.

Can we fly into the stratosphere using air balloons?

While air balloons can take you to relatively high altitudes, they cannot reach the stratosphere, which starts about seven to eight miles above the Earth's surface. As you ascend higher, the air becomes thinner, requiring special equipment such as suits and breathing devices. The Earth's stratosphere is not accessible through air balloons.

Do astronauts grow taller in space?

Yes, astronauts can temporarily grow taller in space. In the absence of gravity, the spinal column stretches due to the lack of compression caused by gravity. This can lead to an increase in height of up to three percent. However, once astronauts return to Earth and experience gravity again, they return to their original height.

What happens if an astronaut is exposed to space without a spacesuit?

If an astronaut were exposed to the vacuum of space without a spacesuit, the consequences would be severe. The extreme temperature differences would cause freezing and burning simultaneously. The part of the body in the shade would experience temperatures of negative 418 degrees Fahrenheit, while the part exposed to sunlight would burn at around 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, the lack of pressure would cause bodily fluids to boil, leading to loss of consciousness, lung collapse, and ultimately, death.

Do astronauts need to work out constantly in space?

Astronauts do not need to work out every second of every day in space. In the microgravity environment of space, their bodies don't experience the same physical stress as on Earth. However, regular exercise is important to counteract the effects of muscle and bone loss that occur due to the absence of gravity. Astronauts have specific exercise routines to maintain their muscle mass and bone density during their missions.

Does space have a distinct smell?

Space does have a distinct smell, but astronauts cannot smell it while they are in space. When astronauts return from spacewalks or missions and open the hatch of their spacecraft, they can smell a particular odour. The smell is often described as a metallic, burned steak, or hot metal scent. It is believed to be caused by the presence of hydrocarbons and other volatile compounds in the space environment.

Would astronauts not age if they traveled at the speed of light?

Traveling at the speed of light is currently not possible with our current technology. However, even if we could achieve such speeds, time dilation would occur, which means that the traveling astronauts would experience time differently from those remaining on Earth. They would still age but at a different rate relative to the people on Earth.

Can we achieve cryosleep for long-duration space travel?

Cryosleep, as depicted in movies like Avatar, is not yet a reality. Freezing a human body would cause the water inside the body to expand, damaging tissues and organs. The technology to safely freeze and revive humans for long-duration space travel does not exist at present.

Can drones be used in spacewalks?

The use of drones in spacewalks is not common practice. Drones would face various challenges in the space environment, such as extreme temperatures, lack of air for propellers, and the need for specialized equipment to withstand the conditions. NASA designs specific equipment for spacewalks and has not incorporated drones into their operations.

While these myths might be fun to explore, it's important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to space exploration. The facts are fascinating enough.