Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: chris on 29/01/2010 08:07:12

Title: Would a human body decompose in space?
Post by: chris on 29/01/2010 08:07:12

Someone asked me today if a human body floating freely in space would decompose, or at least what would happen to it?

Title: Would a human body decompose in space?
Post by: graham.d on 29/01/2010 09:30:05

Assuming in space away from the effects of the sun, I would assume that biological decomposition would stop fairly quickly as the body eventually cools down to a few degrees Kelvin. Except for the damage resulting from the lack of atmospheric pressure and the rapid cooling, that decomposition would essentially cease. Over a few million years there may be some erosion due to random particle impacts but I really think that it would be just another celestial body :-)

Title: Would a human body decompose in space?
Post by: DERYN on 29/01/2010 12:05:19

Fascinating BUT oh no, I can see it now. Hundreds of rich celebrities floating off into space hoping to be picked up by extra terrestrials with the power to bring them back to life ! I say that in jest of course but I seriously wonder if that would go through a rich person/celebrities mind. They spend enough money on trying to stay young so who knows !

DERYN