Day and night in outer space is still a mystery because it is difficult to detect. In contrast to Earth, in outer space it will be difficult to recognize when it is day and night. This is because the environmental conditions in outer space are always dark.
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The Mystery of Day and Night in Space
We who live on planet Earth find it easy to tell when day and night come. But different when in outer space. This is what astronauts have felt while on the International Space Station (ISS).
While on the ISS, astronauts see only black and dark all around them. In fact, not only while at the station, but also when landing on the moon.
It is this condition that makes astronauts lose their way in their activities. We can say that astronauts experience jet lag because of the pitch black conditions in outer space.
The Reason Why Outer Space Is Dark
On Earth, we can see light because there is sunlight as a star in the Solar System. But that does not mean outer space has no sun at all. There are actually stars in outer space.
Even the number of stars is very abundant. However, there are no atmospheric molecules to scatter the star’s light. In addition, the number of stars is also less than the area of space.
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Another reason is that space is a vacuum. The empty space makes starlight unable to reflect colors to the human eye. Because of this, astronauts only see the dark side while in space.
Quick Change of Day and Night
Even though it looks black and dark, that doesn’t mean outer space doesn’t experience day and night changes. The astronauts on board the International Space Station experience a 45-minute change of day. Then in the evening at the same time.
The change of day and night takes place when the Earth rotates. Regarding the difference in time, a day on Earth is the same as 16 times the change of day and night in space.
We can say that the intensity of the change of day and night is too frequent. This makes the rest of the astronauts disturbed. Likewise for activities that are usually carried out during the day such as when on Earth.
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In order to make it easier for astronauts to distinguish between day and night, it is clear that there must be more sophisticated technological developments. Advances in technology also need to be balanced with more in-depth knowledge.
The alternation of day and night in outer space is very much different from that of Earth. Astronauts also have to adapt for a long time to get used to being on the International Space Station. Adaptation is also needed when astronauts carry out missions to the moon. (R10/HR-Online)
This post was last modified on Maret 9, 2023 12:56 AM
