International Space Station National Laboratory

11 hours ago

Did you know scientists can move bubbles with a beam of light?

It’s true. Researchers used microgravityThe condition of perceived weightlessness created when an object is in free fall, for example when an object is in orbital motion. Microgravity alters many observable phenomena within the physical and life sciences, allowing scientists to study things in ways not possible on Earth. The International Space Station provides access to a persistent microgravity environment. on the International Space Station to study a subtle form of fluid motion that’s usually overwhelmed by gravity on Earth. Why does that matter? Because controlling bubbles and fluids more precisely could lead to cleaner, more efficient power generation and cooling systems—important for technologies both in space and here on Earth.

🎥 What you see here is video clip from the space experiment showing scientists precisely steering a floating bubble using a beam of light.

In the experiment, bubbles were coated with molecules similar to those that help shampoo foam by reducing surface tension. When illuminated, these molecules loosen their grip on the bubble’s surface, allowing it to slide and move in response to light.

🔗 Learn more in the Upward feature “Reshaping Clean‑Energy Design With Space Bubbles.” ow.ly/pRrx50XYa48 ... See MoreSee Less