Spacesuits optional for 'water bears'

[Monique]

"The humble water bear has gone where no animal has gone before", how about moon bears?

http://www.nature.com/news/2008/080908/full/news.2008.1087.html

 

[Moonbear]

"The humble water bear has gone where no animal has gone before", how about moon bears?

I think I'll pass. I get motion sick even on fast roller coasters.

 

[oswaler]

I find the discovery of water bears surviving in space without the need for spacesuits to be fascinating. These tiny creatures, also known as tardigrades, have shown incredible resilience and adaptability in the harshest of environments.

While it is true that the water bears have been able to survive in space without the need for spacesuits, it is important to note that they have only been exposed to the harsh conditions of low Earth orbit. It is unknown how they would fare in the even harsher conditions of deep space or on other celestial bodies such as the moon.

Furthermore, the article mentions that the water bears were able to survive for 10 days in space, but it is unclear if they could sustain this survival for longer periods of time. Additionally, the water bears were exposed to space conditions in a laboratory setting, which may not accurately reflect the real conditions in space.

As for the question of "moon bears", or tardigrades on the moon, it is possible that they could survive there as well. However, the moon does not have the same protective atmosphere as Earth, so the water bears would need to adapt to the lack of air and protection from radiation. It is also important to consider the temperature extremes on the moon, which could pose a challenge for the survival of water bears.

In conclusion, the discovery of water bears surviving in space without spacesuits is a remarkable feat, but more research is needed to fully understand their capabilities and limitations in different environments. As scientists, we should continue to study and learn from these resilient creatures to further our understanding of life and its potential in the universe.