• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

NASA astronaut Sunita "Suni" Williams recently returned from an extended mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and social media has been abuzz with claims that her chin appears deformed or elongated. Viral videos circulating online suggest that prolonged exposure to microgravity has altered her facial structure, sparking widespread speculation. However, experts have debunked these claims, stating that while astronauts do undergo physical changes in space, the alleged deformation of Williams’ chin is unlikely and possibly the result of altered or misleading visuals.

Medical experts confirm that astronauts experience significant physiological changes due to long-term exposure to microgravity. These changes include:

  • Bone Density Loss: The lack of gravitational force leads to a reduction in bone mass, particularly in weight-bearing bones.

  • Muscle Atrophy: Muscles weaken due to decreased resistance, requiring rigorous exercise to maintain strength.

  • Fluid Redistribution: In microgravity, bodily fluids shift towards the head, causing puffiness and slight facial swelling.

Despite these effects, no scientific evidence supports the idea that an astronaut’s chin or jawline would become permanently deformed or drastically altered after a space mission.

Experts Weigh In

In response to the viral claims, pulmonologist and Air Force veteran Dr. Vinay Gupta explained to MailOnline, "I don't think people realize that you need gravity to exercise your muscles, and if you don't have gravity, your muscles have nothing to have resistance against." However, while microgravity can impact muscle tone and bone structure, it does not significantly alter facial features in such a dramatic way.

Dr. John Jaquish, a biomedical engineer, also weighed in: "Without gravity, you don't digest food as well. Compromising your ability to digest food is certainly going to contribute to muscle loss and bone loss on its own." While bone density loss can occur, it does not lead to immediate visible deformities in astronauts' facial structure.

Debunking the Chin Deformation Claim

Comparisons between pre- and post-mission images of Sunita Williams show no visible change in her chin. The viral videos suggesting deformation appear to be either altered or misleading. NASA has not reported any structural changes to her facial appearance, further discrediting these rumours.

Social Media Reactions

Social media users were quick to comment on the alleged changes, with one user joking, "Might have stopped by a salon before landing. #NASA #SunitaWilliams 🤣." Another added, "Right now her chin appears elongated. The health problems of prolonged stay in space—Radiation exposure, spine stretched, loss of bone density."

While space travel does impact the human body in various ways, claims of Sunita Williams’ chin deforming after her ISS mission lack scientific backing. Experts confirm that while astronauts may experience temporary swelling or structural bone loss, these effects do not result in visible facial deformations. The viral videos circulating online are likely misleading, emphasizing the need to verify information before accepting sensational claims.