The 3 strangest things astronauts experience when returning to Earth

Life in space is something out of the ordinary, but what happens when astronauts go back to good old Earth? Reintegration into earthly life is not as simple as it seems, and the effects can surprise even the most experienced.

Let’s take a look at three peculiar phenomena these cosmic adventurers face, with true stories that seem straight out of a science fiction movie.

1. Astronauts forget that gravity exists

Upon returning to Earth, astronauts forget that gravity exists – Image: Pixabay/Pexels/Reproduction

Just imagine: after months floating on the International Space Station, astronaut Koichi Wakata, from Japan, lands back home and has a moment of gravitational confusion.

He drops a cup, expecting it to float as if in space, but the cup, true to the laws of Earth’s gravity, simply finds the ground.

It’s as if the Earth said: “Friend, gravity is real here!” Astronauts may temporarily forget or underestimate gravity after floating in microgravity for so long.

2. Myopia after returning to Earth

Upon returning, some astronauts may experience vision problems – Image: Wallace Chuck/Pexels/Reproduction

John Phillips, astronaut from NASA, had a vision experience that seemed like something out of a movie. During his time in space in 2005, his vision plummeted from 20/20 to 20/100 in just six months, resulting in myopia.

Although he recovered somewhat, Phillips’ case is an extreme example of Visual Spatial Impairment Syndrome.

This syndrome is caused by changes in spinal and brain fluid pressure in microgravity, affecting the optic nerve and the shape of the eyes. It’s as if space decided to play with the astronauts’ vision.

3. Fainting and circulatory problems

Many astronauts may suffer sudden fainting – Image: Medicar/Reproduction

NASA astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper had a somewhat shocking return to Earth.

During a welcoming ceremony, she fainted not once but twice while standing, highlighting the circulatory problems that can arise after returning from space.

The body’s adaptation to zero gravity it can result in a decrease in blood volume and less resistance to Earth’s gravity, which sometimes leads to dizziness or fainting when returning to the known atmosphere.