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Can Humans Hear Sounds in Space?

A common claim on social media suggests that astronauts can hear sounds directly in outer space, including explosions, spacecraft engines, or planets. This claim is false. Sound is a mechanical wave that requires a medium—such as air, water, or a solid material—to travel. Since outer space is almost a perfect vacuum with extremely few particles, sound cannot propagate through it. Astronauts can hear sounds inside spacecraft because air is present there, and they can communicate through radios, which transmit electromagnetic waves rather than sound waves.

FactBrief · Jul 5, 2026

MIXTUREscience

Did NASA Discover a New Planet That Could Support Human Life?

Claims on social media suggest that NASA has discovered a new planet that is ready to support human life. The claim contains some truth but lacks important context. NASA has discovered and confirmed thousands of exoplanets, including several located within the "habitable zone" of their stars, where liquid water could potentially exist. However, scientists have not confirmed that any of these planets currently support life or are suitable for human habitation. A planet being in the habitable zone does not mean it has breathable air, liquid water on its surface, or conditions necessary for humans to survive.

FactBrief · Jul 5, 2026