SPACE CATS !!! - Smarter Every Day 85

Destin submitted a question to the International Space Station hoping astronauts would answer it.

Can humans rotate their body in zero gravity without external contact or initial spin, similar to how cats can rotate themselves in the air?

On Smarter Every Day, this phenomenon was demonstrated using a cat, a non-holonomic system that rotates by extending legs, arching back, and twisting in a specific pattern.

The question asks whether humans can perform this same maneuver while in orbit on the International Space Station.

Astronauts acknowledge there are no cats on board but have a medical doctor who can attempt to demonstrate the concept.

An astronaut stops himself in open space and demonstrates rotating his body to change orientation without changing angular momentum.

The demonstration confirms that humans can indeed change body position and orientation in space using the same principles as cats.

The astronaut validates that what happens with cats in free fall is not a mystery and the same physics applies in space.

Destin determined the exact location of the astronauts during the conversation by tracking ISS position data.

• Astronauts were over Ecuador when the question started • Crossed the equator during the 70-second conversation • Passed over Peru, where Destin had spent significant time • Continued into Colombia

Chris Hadfield was seen thinking through the problem himself, and appeared to be conducting his own test after the camera turned off.

Hadfield's reaction demonstrated the investigative mindset valued on the space station.

Destin actually watches the International Space Station pass over his house and recommends others do the same.

Use heavens-above.com to enter your location and find the next ISS pass times overhead, including where to look.

Viewers must turn off their computers and go outside to observe real science happening in real time.

• Astronauts tweet daily from the ISS • They share interesting pictures every day • NASA also provides quality content daily • Follow these accounts to stay connected with space exploration

Humans on Earth have an ambassador in space who represents them in a weightless environment and shares discoveries daily.

Following astronauts and NASA requires minimal effort and provides access to extraordinary perspectives and discoveries.

Destin identifies himself and encourages viewers to follow his work as well, though he jokes about being less interesting than NASA.

Video ends with rocket launch footage and crowd countdown, emphasizing the excitement and reality of space exploration.