• Rekorse@sh.itjust.works
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    4
    ·
    10 hours ago

    Why can some objects exist in space without getting ripped apart like a human would. Is that what actually happens to a human anyways?

    • PoopingCough@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      6
      ·
      edit-2
      10 hours ago

      Ever seen a picture of a blobfish in it’s deep ocean habitat vs when it is at the surface? It’s body is adapted to the extreme pressure of the deep sea, and when that pressure is no longer there, the forces keeping it’s shape are no longer present and thus every bit of it expands. That’s what would happen to us in the vacuum of space albeit on a lesser scale. Also, we’re like 70% water which boils in a vacuum.

      • SmoothOperator@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        4 hours ago

        As I understand it, this in fact will not happen. Our circulatory system is a closed loop and strong enough to not expand into vacuum. The water inside our body is kept close to usual pressure by our skin, blood vessels etc.

        The main immediate danger in space without a spacesuit would be holding your breath. Your lungs are not built to withstand a whole atmosphere of pressure from the inside, and will get damaged if you hold your breath.

        Of course if you don’t, you’ll have another problem.