Is it possible to be completely still in space?

  • Thread starter jaydnul
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Space
In summary, it is not possible to be motionless in space as motion is relative and there is no absolute frame of reference. The cosmic microwave background may define a frame of reference, but it is not considered absolute in the laws of physics.
  • #1
jaydnul
558
15
So we are on a rotating planet, which also hurdles through space orbiting the sun, which also is hurdling through space orbiting the center of the galaxy. Is it possible to be motionless in space?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
lundyjb said:
So we are on a rotating planet, which also hurdles through space orbiting the sun, which also is hurdling through space orbiting the center of the galaxy. Is it possible to be motionless in space?

Relative to what? Motion is relative. If you are searching for an absolute frame of reference, there isn't one.
 
  • #3
If you are searching for an absolute frame of reference, there isn't one.

What about the cosmic microwave background; could that not be considered as an absolute F of R?
 
  • #4
Endervhar said:
What about the cosmic microwave background; could that not be considered as an absolute F of R?

No, there is not such thing as an absolute frame of reference. You can state the Earth's velocity (or anything else's velocity if you wish) relative to the CMB, but it is not an absolute velocity in any sense.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Endervhar said:
What about the cosmic microwave background; could that not be considered as an absolute F of R?

Ask yourself this. What does "absolute reference frame" mean?
 
  • #6
Endervhar said:
What about the cosmic microwave background; could that not be considered as an absolute F of R?

The CMB does define a frame of reference, but the laws of physics don't single out that frame of reference as special.
 

1. Is it possible for a person to be completely still in space?

Yes, it is possible for a person to be completely still in space. In a zero-gravity environment, there is no force acting upon the body to cause movement. However, it may be difficult to maintain this stillness due to natural movements such as breathing and heart rate.

2. Can objects be completely still in space?

Yes, objects can be completely still in space. In a vacuum, there is no air resistance or friction to cause movement. Objects will continue to move at a constant velocity unless acted upon by an external force.

3. Is it possible to stop moving in space?

Yes, it is possible to stop moving in space. If an object's velocity is reduced to zero or if it is placed in a stable orbit, it will appear to be completely still relative to the observer.

4. Do astronauts experience any movement while in space?

Yes, astronauts experience movement while in space. They may experience the sensation of weightlessness and floating, but they are still in motion due to the Earth's rotation and revolution around the sun. They may also experience motion sickness due to the constant movement of their spacecraft.

5. What happens if an astronaut loses their grip and becomes completely still in space?

If an astronaut loses their grip on a spacecraft or object and becomes completely still in space, they will continue to drift in a straight line with their current velocity. However, they can use thrusters or other devices to regain control and maneuver back to their desired position.

Similar threads

Replies
6
Views
841
Replies
6
Views
666
Replies
3
Views
302
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
309
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
30
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
19
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
15
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
19
Views
1K
Back
Top