Man Proposes in Zero Gravity: Freefalling in Love

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around a recent event where a man proposed to his girlfriend in a zero-gravity environment. Participants explore the implications of the term "zero gravity," the nature of the experience, and the public perception of such events.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the validity of calling the experience "zero gravity," suggesting it should be referred to as "simulated" zero gravity.
  • Others argue that the individuals in the freefalling plane are indeed experiencing true zero gravity, as they do not feel their weight during the freefall.
  • A participant questions the idiocy of the event, prompting further discussion about the nature of the proposal and its implications.
  • There is a suggestion that the couple may be held by thin strings, indicating a playful speculation about the mechanics of the proposal.
  • One participant references Einstein's insight regarding weightlessness and gravitational acceleration, discussing the philosophical implications of freefalling and weight perception.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether the term "zero gravity" is appropriate, with multiple competing views on the nature of the experience and its terminology. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the definitions and implications of weightlessness.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions about the definitions of gravity and weightlessness, as well as the public's understanding of these concepts. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of the experience described in the event.

robphy
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"Man Proposes to Girlfriend in Zero Gravity"
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,270505,00.html
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05062007/news/regionalnews/over_the_moon_regionalnews_jennifer_gould_keil.htm
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05062007/photos/news007b.jpg

It looks like "Zero Gravity" has gotten some buzz lately.
Recently, Stephen Hawking was on a ride recently
https://www.physicsforums.com/blog/2007/04/27/hawking-in-zero-g/
http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao/images//small/07pd0958-s.jpg
 
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robphy said:
"Man Proposes to Girlfriend in Zero Gravity"
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,270505,00.html
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05062007/news/regionalnews/over_the_moon_regionalnews_jennifer_gould_keil.htm
http://www.nypost.com/seven/05062007/photos/news007b.jpg

Yet another proof of the fact that idiotism is endless.

Then again, if they are going to live happily ever after, so am I. :-p
 
Last edited by a moderator:
radou said:
Yet another proof of the fact that idiotism is endless.

How is this idiotic?
 
Its not zero gravity, but whatever. Its just to get the point across to the general public. It should say "simulated" zero gravity, but that's just being nit picky for no reason.
 
moose said:
How is this idiotic?

Only my opinion. :smile:

cyrusabdollahi said:
Its not zero gravity, but whatever. Its just to get the point across to the general public. It should say "simulated" zero gravity, but that's just being nit picky for no reason.

I bet they're being held by thin strings.

Speaking of strings, I wonder if there are bungee-jumping weddings.
 
Its not zero gravity, but whatever. Its just to get the point across to the general public. It should say "simulated" zero gravity, but that's just being nit picky for no reason.

Excuse me, but I have to correct your correction.

The people in the freefalling plane (as these two were) are definitely experiencing zero gravity, there is nothing simulated about it.

But, you say, according to Newton's law of gravitation they are experiencing a force, and they are falling towards the earth. But what is the difference when astronaughts orbit the earth? Every piece of matter in the universe feels the force of the Earth's pull, nothing is free of this force.

But this was Einstein's insight: a freefalling observer does not feel their own weight. They are weightless. Gravitational acceleration is not the result of a force, it is the result of the absence of forces (indeed 'your weight' as you feel it is a force from the floor pushing you up!) and when this occurs an object moves along 'a straight line' in spacetime.