What Is Zero Gravity ? | Weightlessness | Zero-G | Weightless Wonder.

 What Is Zero Gravity ?

Credit :- Toppr

The term "zero gravity" describes the state that things or people are in when they are falling freely or when they are somewhere where the force of gravity is minimal or nonexistent. It frequently relates to space flight or the lack of gravitational pull. Although there is still gravity in space, it appears to be minor since there isn't a reliable reference point, hence the phrase "zero gravity" is somewhat misleading.

In fact, satellites and astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) are still affected by Earth's gravity when they are in orbit around the planet. The fact that they are falling continuously gives the impression that they are in zero gravity. This occurs because both the object and the observer are falling towards Earth at the same rate, resulting in the sensation of apparent weightlessness

Through parabolic flights or the use of specialised aircraft that carry out a series of manoeuvres, such as steep climbs and descents, zero gravity can also be temporarily replicated on Earth. People within the aircraft experience several seconds of weightlessness during the freefall portion of these manoeuvres, simulating the feeling of being in space.

It's crucial to remember that additional forces like inertia, air resistance, and tidal forces can still have an impact on items and people even in a zero-gravity environment. However, the lack of a strong gravitational pull enables novel scientific study, exploration, and the advancement of space travel-related technologies.

Zero gravity experienced on Earth

Specialized aircraft, such as NASA's "Weightless Wonder" or the European Space Agency's "Zero-G" plane, perform parabolic flight maneuvers. These flights create short periods of microgravity by flying in a curved trajectory, where the aircraft follows a steep climb and then enters a freefall-like descent. During the freefall phase, passengers experience several seconds of weightlessness.