Please help me with a wager. I've heard that astronauts actually come back a little taller from space, due to the abscence of gravity. Any truth to this?
2007-06-09 07:42:00 · 6 answers · asked by Elvis/Tractors Fan 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
I've heard that two--but I think the difference is pretty small. The place to verify that would be nasa.gov.
There is some evidence from animal studies that a person who was raised in zero gravity would be talller than normal, because the lack of weight woud allow the bones--especially the legs--to grow longer and thinner. No one's likely to test this on humans anytime soon, though--those same studies show they would also have weak bones and possibly underdevelopd cardio-vascular systems.
2007-06-09 09:11:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They do! It's not a small effect, either: a good fraction of an inch. The reason is that gravity is not compressing the spine as on Earth. However, the effect goes away very quickly within a day or so of returning.
2007-06-09 10:15:25 · answer #2 · answered by Astronomer1980 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've been told that the absence of gravity causes the disks of the spine to 'relax' somewhat and returning Astronauts are a millimeter or so taller for a couple of days.
Doug
2007-06-09 07:47:04 · answer #3 · answered by doug_donaghue 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I saw a Discovery show and it said that due to the lack of gravity astronauts shrink.
2007-06-09 07:51:07 · answer #4 · answered by Rav92 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
a bit since gravity is not pulling down on thier vertebrae
2007-06-09 08:54:39 · answer #5 · answered by Math☻Nerd 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes
2007-06-09 08:42:04 · answer #6 · answered by louis g 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋