Watch astronaut Tim Peake attempt to become dizzy in space. While being spun mercilessly by fellow astronaut Tim Kopra, it appears almost impossible. Apparently after twenty-four hours in zero-g, the fluid in the inner ear begins to float, providing the brain with mixed signals when compared to what our eyes see.
After twenty-four to forty-eight hours, the brain starts to rely on the visual signals instead of the inner ear, making it almost impossible to become dizzy. Tim Peake only gets slightly disorientated at the end of the spinning experiment. He quickly recovers, without any adverse consequences.
It’s a fascinating experiment. I just wish it was possible to achieve the same result here on Earth. Athletics and extreme sports would be a lot easier to handle. Although perhaps taking a rollercoaster ride would no longer be thrilling, but merely mildly amusing?
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