why are astronaut suits white?

Question

We are working on a science project. The title of the project is "Why are astronaut suits white?" Not much luck surfing the web. Many web sites offer info regarging what astronauts do, details of space walks, etc. but nothing regarding specs of a space suit.

Answer 1

To reflect as much Solar heat radiation as possible. Think of the reason they paint buildings white in hot climates...

Answer 2

I'm only guessing here, but I would imagine that the suits are white because :

a) It makes the astronaut highly visible. Imagine if an astronaut's lifeline was cut and he drifted away from his spacecraft. His white suit reflects more light and he would be easier to spot and rescue.
b) White clothing reflects a lot of heat, helping to protect the astronaut from overheating. A silver suit would be even better, but maybe it would reflect too much light and dazzle other astronauts.

Answer 3

Until now, space suits are made only with either the white or orange color. These two colors have one similarity...they are both light colored. Why? Because astronauts work in space where there is less light and if astronauts will wear dark colored suits, it will be hard for them and those observing to see the astronauts in space if ever they will be working a distance from the station, the shuttle, or with each other.

Answer 4

So you can tell when it is time to wash them after eating mustard and hot dogs. Also it was the only color they had to choose from the taylor.
My space suits where black with a white helmut unless we where going by a sun planet. The reason for black was to absorb star light it was very cold any infared heat retain would help.

Answer 5

Deflect easy with a view to no longer soak up capability. (Black absorbs the main capability, that's why astronauts do no longer positioned on black area suits on the grounds that they had be toast by using the time the have been given back to the area shuttle.)

Answer 6

Umm... it is kind of obvious. Space is black, so if you want to be able to see someone in space, make their suit white. It is the farthest color (I know, white is not a color) in the spectrum from black and therefore it makes sense that that color would be chosen.

Answer 7

I'm not sure i never really thought of it, but i do know that astronauts are not allowed to let out gas while wearing it, cause it'll damage it. lol

Answer 8

I believe it reflects of more than just light in the visible range.

Answer 9

they're white to reflect as much visible UV radiation from the sun.
black is so hot because it absorbs all of it, white obsorbs one; very weakly.

Answer 10

It will be easily spotted in space, where it was black with other colours of planet. It easily be seen as black is opposite colour.