How Does Water Behave in Space?

How does water behave in a zero gravity environment? If there was one word to describe such behavior, it would be weird. Very weird.

Normally, when we shake a container full of water here on Earth, bubbles would form and these bubbles would make its way to the top. But if we shake that water-filled container in space, it would be a bizarre experience. The water would appear to be a gel-like substance. What would be the reason for this strange behavior?

The reason water takes on this unfamiliar form has to do with gravity, or rather, the lack thereof. On Earth, air is lighter than water, and its added buoyancy compared to water makes it float upward and quickly burst through water droplets. In space, however, air bubbles linger in the liquid rather than floating to the top, because gravity isn't pulling the liquid down. 

(Image Credit: CSA)


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