That's what researchers James Lackner and Paul DiZio are trying to figure out. Could astronauts adapt to this? And if so, could they adapt well enough to perform dependably in the life-threatening environment of space? The problem is, spinning spaceships also come with a strong Coriolis effect. Inside a spinning spaceship, on the other hand, there would be an artificial gravity (due to centrifugal forces) that keeps bodies strong and makes everyday living easier. It's tricky to eat and drink, and even use the bathroom. Researchers have long known that spinning spaceships like a merry-go-round could solve a lot of problems: In weightlessness, astronaut's bones and muscles weaken. Space travel could be a Coriolis experience, too. Credit: University of Illinois at Champagne-Urbana. Click to view the full-length movie (2 MB), which beautifully illustrates the Coriolis effect. But playing ball on a merry-go-round is definitely a Coriolis experience. Contrary to popular belief, Coriolis forces do not control your bathroom drains-Earth doesn't spin that fast. Hurricanes swirl because of the Coriolis effect, the spinning platform being Earth itself. Physicists call this the "Coriolis effect," and it happens on any spinning platform. You'll feel your arm pulled strangely to one side as you make the throw, and once in flight, the ball will veer wildly. Try throwing the ball to your friend across the ride from you, or even just a few feet beside you, and see if they can catch it on the first attempt. Next time you go to a playground, try this: Bring along a ball and a friend, and get on the merry-go-round. One day, astronauts might travel through the solar system onboard spinning spaceships.
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