Important to know what is myth and propaganda

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of jumping on the moon, particularly in relation to the Apollo moon landing videos. Participants explore the differences between realistic physics and portrayals in media, questioning the accuracy of the videos and the implications of lunar gravity on human movement.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that understanding physics is crucial to differentiate between myth and reality in portrayals of moon landings.
  • Questions are raised about whether the Apollo videos accurately depict human movement in a 1/6 gravity environment.
  • One participant suggests that the friction between boots and the lunar surface would be significantly reduced, affecting how astronauts walk.
  • Another participant challenges the assumption that the videos are realistic, proposing that NASA's simulations may differ from actual conditions.
  • Mathematical approaches are suggested to estimate how high an astronaut could jump on the moon, with references to astronaut weight and the effects of reduced gravity.
  • Disagreements arise regarding the accuracy of astronaut weights and jumping capabilities, with some participants asserting that calculations indicate a jump height of at least 6 feet, contrary to observed behavior in the Apollo videos.
  • Concerns are expressed about misinformation and conspiracy theories related to the moon landing, leading to moderation actions in the thread.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the realism of the Apollo videos and the physics of jumping on the moon. There is no consensus on the accuracy of the portrayals or the calculations presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various assumptions about astronaut weight, the physics of jumping, and the nature of lunar gravity. Some calculations and claims made are challenged, but the discussion remains unresolved regarding the validity of these points.

Gil Lee
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To learn the real physics, you need to know what is myth and propaganda. For example, How high can you jump on the moon? Understanding Physics, we can estimate the height and the friction to the boot against the ground. Having the correct Physics, you can tell which one Hollywood like the movie is v.s. The realistic way the astronaut walks on the moon.
 
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Gil Lee said:
To learn the real physics, you need to know what is myth and propaganda. For example, How high can you jump on the moon? Understanding Physics, we can estimate the height and the friction to the boot against the ground. Having the correct Physics, you can tell which one Hollywood like the movie is v.s. The realistic way the astronaut walks on the moon.
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Did you have a question?
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Did you have a question?
Yes. Do you believe the Apollo video shows the realistic way of human walking on the 1/6 gravity vacuum environment?
 
Do you think a tree looks like a realistic tree?
The videos show humans walking in a 1/6 gravity vacuum environment with heavy suits (the vacuum is irrelevant, apart from making space suits necessary). It can't be more realistic than that.
 
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Gil Lee said:
Yes. Do you believe the Apollo video shows the realistic way of human walking on the 1/6 gravity vacuum environment?
Are you suggesting there is some problem with the videos of the moon landings and excursions?

(Please re-read the PF rules under INFO at the top of the page, while I reach slowly for the BanHammer...)
 
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Gil Lee said:
For example, How high can you jump on the moon?
What research have you done and what math/physics do you know? You can construct relatively simple scenarios and come up with a serviceable answer. Some structure, research direction to get you going:

1. What is the mass of a typical astronaut?
2. What is the mass of a lunar spacesuit?
3. What is the average force your legs can apply in a rapid leg-press (jump)?
4. What is the distance of a leg press?
5. What is force times distance? (both the relevant name and the answer to the suggested problem)
6. What type of energy do you have at the top of your jump? What's the equation?
7. Set the two equations equal to each other and solve for height.
 
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mfb said:
Do you think a tree looks like a realistic tree?
The videos show humans walking in a 1/6 gravity vacuum environment with heavy suits (the vacuum is irrelevant, apart from making space suits necessary). It can't be more realistic than that.
When the gravity is 1/6, that means the friction between boot and the ground will be about 1/6. The walker feels it is very slippery. Do you know how to walk on the slippery surface? Like cheetah put their center of gravity much forward than the rear legs which are the thrust, you need to incline the human body forward before you start walking or running. When you stop, you need to incline your body backward to reduce the speed just like the man walking on ice. Think about it. Nasa's contracted out to Ph.D. to make the simulator and the video looks totally different from Apollo video.
 
russ_watters said:
What research have you done and what math/physics do you know? You can construct relatively simple scenarios and come up with a serviceable answer. Some structure, research direction to get you going:

1. What is the mass of a typical astronaut?
2. What is the mass of a lunar spacesuit?
3. What is the average force your legs can apply in a rapid leg-press (jump)?
4. What is the distance of a leg press?
5. What is force times distance? (both the relevant name and the answer to the suggested problem)
6. What type of energy do you have at the top of your jump? What's the equation?
7. Set the two equations equal to each other and solve for height.
We have most of the parameter. Nasa said the astronaut weight is about 80lb, and the suit is 80 lb. The astronaut can jump up about one foot on the earth. Using the same muscle, how high can he jump up at 1/6 gravity? Mass is same on the moon, but the weight that counter the muscle is 1/6/
 
Gil Lee said:
When the gravity is 1/6, that means the friction between boot and the ground will be about 1/6. The walker feels it is very slippery. Do you know how to walk on the slippery surface? Like cheetah put their center of gravity much forward than the rear legs which are the thrust, you need to incline the human body forward before you start walking or running. When you stop, you need to incline your body backward to reduce the speed just like the man walking on ice. Think about it. Nasa's contracted out to Ph.D. to make the simulator and the video looks totally different from Apollo video.
This does not make any sense. Friction is also dependent on the material, and here we talk about sand. If your argument was true, and it is not, then kiddies couldn't walk on the beach, which is definitely wrong.
 
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Gil Lee said:
We have most of the parameter. Nasa said the astronaut weight is about 80lb, and the suit is 80 lb.
Neither of those are correct according to common sense and a 5 second Google. Please do better.
The astronaut can jump up about one foot on the earth. Using the same muscle, how high can he jump up at 1/6 gravity?
I gave you an approach to follow. We can help, but we don't spoon feed. This isn't an answer desk it is an educational forum. Make an effort and if you have specific issues following the approach, ask specific questions.
 
  • #11
Gil Lee said:
Think about it. Nasa's contracted out to Ph.D. to make the simulator and the video looks totally different from Apollo video.
Queue the music...
 
  • #12
russ_watters said:
Neither of those are correct according to common sense and a 5 second Google. Please do better.

I gave you an approach to follow. We can help, but we don't spoon feed. This isn't an answer desk it is an educational forum. Make an effort and if you have specific issues following the approach, ask specific questions.
You have an approach that seems to be wrong. Guess what. I calculated that astronaut can jump up at least 6 feet on the moon surface. Noen of them jumps that high in Apollo video.
 
  • #13
This was enough of misinformation, derailed topics and moon landing conspiracy. I had to remove some of them, because they had been below the standards we try to achieve and were against our rules (see section Moon landing hoax conspiracy theories).

Thread closed.
 
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