What Happens in Space in One Second?

Learn what happens in space in one second from an expert's perspective. Find out how the lack of air pressure causes the body to expand and how long it takes for this process to occur.

What Happens in Space in One Second?

The second light is a useful unit of length in astronomy, telecommunications and relativistic physics. It is defined as the distance that light travels in a vacuum in one second, and is precisely equal to 299792458 meters (983571056 feet). In space, the lack of air pressure causes the body to expand. Oxygen from the rest of the body will also expand, but you won't explode.

The skin is elastic enough to keep you intact. Depending on where you are in space, this process can take between 12 and 26 hours. However, if you're close to a star, you'll be burned to a crisp.

Kara Counihan
Kara Counihan

Incurable internet expert. Infuriatingly humble bacon ninja. Devoted pop culture advocate. Proud food enthusiast. Certified burrito fanatic. Amateur food practitioner.