Does traveling in space make you taller?
Do you stand (or float) tall in space?
Yes. Space travelers can gain 2.5-5 cm (1-2 inches) of height while in space. This is because in microgravity the vertebrae float apart slightly. When a space suit is made this is taken into account. When they return to Earth, gravity once again compresses their spine and they return to their normal height.
To a lesser extent the same thing happens to you when you sleep. When you lay down earth’s gravity has less of an effect on your spine and the spine slowly elongates. If you get up after lying down for several hours you’ll be slightly taller.
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This Q&A by Brent Mitchell
Brent's dream was to grow-up and be a scientist. While the growing up part is debatable, he was a clinical researcher for...
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