Sunglasses are used in space to protect astronauts' eyes from the more harmful sunlight present without the Earth's atmosphere. Spacecraft are supplied with protective window shades and sunglasses for astronaut use.
Here's a breakdown of why and how sunglasses (and other protective measures) are used in space:
- Intense Sunlight: Without the Earth's atmosphere to filter it, sunlight in space is much more intense and damaging to the eyes.
- Eye Protection: Sunglasses provide a necessary barrier against this intense light.
- Spacecraft Provisions: As mentioned in the reference, spacecraft are stocked with sunglasses to ensure astronauts have this protection readily available.
- Spacesuit Helmets: Spacesuit helmets include a layer of gold to reflect the sun's rays during spacewalks, providing additional protection during extravehicular activities.
| Protection Method | Purpose | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Sunglasses | Shield eyes from intense sunlight | Supplied on spacecraft for astronaut use |
| Window Shades | Reduce light entering the spacecraft | Integrated into spacecraft design |
| Spacesuit Gold Layer | Reflect solar radiation during spacewalks | Applied as a coating on spacesuit helmet visors |
