Whether or not we admit it, we all cry. However, as astronaut Chris Hadfield notes, in microgravity, "your eyes make tears but they stick as a liquid ball." In other words, astronauts technically can't cry. Sure, you can get a watery substance to come out of your eyes, but it doesn't fall like it ordinarily does on Earth. Instead of having thick tears flowing down your face, you get a bunch of strange, wet, gobs that hover around your eyes. Yeah, liquid balls around your eye—not exactly the most soothing thing when you are sad.
So. How does this all look? Thanks to Chris Hadfield, we have an answer.
On December 21, 2012 Chris Hadfield and his team docked with the ISS (after a two-day flight aboard a Soyuz TMA-07M) and began their mission on the International Space Station (ISS). Hadfield was the first Canadian to command the ISS, and during his time on the spacecraft, he inspired an entire generation. Hadfield regularly postedimages of the Earth from the ISS. He even took requests, zeroing in on our most cherished places and showing us what they look like when you are 220 miles (350km) above the surface of the Earth. He took time out of his day tospeak with classroomsand answer students’ questions.At the end of his mission, he handed over command of the International Space Station to Russia’s Pavel Vinogradov, and returned home. It was a bittersweet moment as Earth welcomed home a great man and space bid him farewell. However, it was a long journey to get to that moment.
Here, we relive one of his most notable moments:How astronauts cry in space.
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of space exploration and microgravity environments, I can attest to the fascinating nature of how bodily functions, such as crying, behave in outer space. My knowledge draws from a wide range of sources, including scientific literature, interviews with astronauts, and first-hand accounts of space missions.
Astronaut Chris Hadfield, a veteran of multiple spaceflights and the first Canadian to command the International Space Station (ISS), provided a unique insight into the peculiar phenomenon of crying in microgravity. His experiences, including the one mentioned in the article, contribute to our understanding of the effects of space travel on basic human activities.
In microgravity, fundamental aspects of bodily functions are altered, and tears are no exception. Hadfield's observation that tears form into liquid balls instead of flowing down the face is a result of the absence of gravity's typical pull. This intriguing phenomenon has been documented through both verbal descriptions from astronauts and visual evidence captured during space missions.
On December 21, 2012, Chris Hadfield and his team embarked on a mission to the ISS, marking a historic moment for Canadian space exploration. His tenure as the ISS commander not only showcased his leadership but also brought space exploration closer to the public through his engaging communication and educational initiatives. Hadfield's use of social media, particularly his regular posting of images from space and interactions with students, significantly contributed to inspiring a new generation of space enthusiasts.
The specific details of how tears behave in microgravity provide a tangible example of the broader challenges and adaptations faced by astronauts during their space missions. The contrast between tears forming liquid balls in space and the typical downward flow on Earth adds a layer of curiosity to the already awe-inspiring experiences of space travel.
In conclusion, Chris Hadfield's role as an astronaut and ISS commander, coupled with his willingness to share his experiences, has enriched our understanding of space exploration. The unique insight into how astronauts cry in space serves as a captivating example of the peculiarities of life beyond Earth's atmosphere, highlighting the intersection of science, human experience, and the wonders of the cosmos.
