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Can You Cry in Space?

Published in Space Physiology 2 mins read

Yes, you can cry in space, but the tears don't fall like they do on Earth.

How Crying Works in Space

In the video, "Can You Cry In Space? - YouTube", it explains that eyes in space can indeed tear up. This happens because your eyes react to irritants just like on Earth. However, the behavior of tears changes significantly due to the microgravity environment.

Tears in Microgravity

  • No Falling Tears: On Earth, gravity pulls tears down your face. In space, without this force, tears tend to accumulate around the eye. The tears don't fall; instead, they form a blob-like mass.
  • Need for a Hanky: Because the tears don't fall, you would need a hanky (or something similar) to absorb them. This is unlike on Earth, where gravity normally takes care of tears and pulls them down.

Comparison: Earth vs. Space

Aspect Earth Space
Tear Production Similar to space. Similar to Earth, eyes can tear up.
Tear Movement Gravity pulls tears down face. Tears don't fall; they blob around the eye.
Cleanup Tears fall naturally. Need to use a hanky to absorb tears.

Conclusion

While your eyes can cry in space, the absence of gravity alters how tears behave. They don't fall, and instead, they stay around the eye. Therefore, you'll need a hanky to wipe them.

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