This article was published on June 7, 2020

How ‘microgravity’ changes the bodies of astronauts


How ‘microgravity’ changes the bodies of astronauts
Jessica Meir strikes a superhero pose in the microgravity environment aboard the International Space Station. Image credit: NASA
Objects may look weightless in space, but even at the altitude at which the ISS orbits (here with astronaut Christina Koch), the force of gravity is still significant. Image credit: NASA

What are the health consequences of microgravity on the human body?

Gravity plays a significant role in the distribution of blood throughout the human body. Once astronauts reach space, significant changes take place. Image credit: Screenshot from NASA video.
NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg exercises aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to keep her body in top shape for her eventual return to Earth. Image credit: NASA
NASA describes some of the myriad of changes the human body experiences in space. Video credit: NASA

This article was originally published on The Cosmic Companion by Dr. Ana Luiza Dias. You can read this original piece here.

Astronomy News with The Cosmic Companion is also available as a weekly podcast, carried on all major podcast providers. Tune in every Tuesday for updates on the latest astronomy news, and interviews with astronomers and other researchers working to uncover the nature of the Universe.

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