Random Creepy Facts About Outer Space You Can't Unlearn (25 items)

(#22) Time On Earth Moves Faster Than Time In Space

Due to time dilation - a precept of the theory of relativity referencing a difference in the elapsed time measured by two observers – astronauts stationed in outer space lose approximately one second per week. the spin of Earth, its orbit around the sun and the solar system’s motion around the Milky Way all combine to decrease the time we experience on Earth.

Though miniscule, this second-per-week dilation results in nearly a minute lost annually and more than 8.5 minutes lost each decade.
(#11) Space Can Make You Nearsighted

As evidenced by astronaut Scott Kelly's year-long stint on the ISS, space travel wreaks bewildering effects on the body. One such effect is the deformation of an astronaut's eyeballs during extended periods in orbit, which could lead to long-term complications.
Fluid surrounding the brain can increase to the point that the eyes begin to swell and sight drastically deteriorates.
(#9) After A Month In Orbit, Callouses Slough Off

Scott Kelly, the same astronaut who returned from the International Space Station with numerous genetic changes, revealed in a Reddit AMA that, in space, foot callouses will eventually slough off:

The bottoms of your feet become very soft like newborn baby feet. But the top of my feet develop rough alligator skin because I use the top of my feet to get around here on space station when using foot rails.
(#25) Earth Inhabitants Are Traveling At Incredible Speeds

Due to the rotation of the Earth, all of its inhabitants are traveling at a speed of approximately 67,000 miles per hour. In an even more impressive feat, the Earth's orbit around the sun adds another 490,000 miles per hour to Earthlings' overall speed.
(#7) Extended Space Travel Can Change Your DNA

Astronaut Scott Kelly, who spent a year at the International Space Station in 2016, returned to find that he was two inches taller than his departing height. The new physical differences between Kelly and his identical twin brother, Mike - also an astronaut - were startling. Scientists compared the DNA of the two and found that, besides, growing two inches, Kelly's gut bacteria were completely different and his gene expression had changed.

Scientists concluded that the changes were caused by "the stresses of space travel, which can cause changes in a cell’s biological pathways." Although Kelly eventually returned to his original height, his other genetic changes are seemingly irreversible, meaning Kelly and his brother are no longer identical twins.
(#5) Meteors Can Strike Earth With No Warning

In 2013, a meteorite exploded over the Russian region of Chelyabinsk. About 400 people were injured, with most injuries caused by broken glass resulting from the explosion. Conflicting reports hypothesized that the missile was either part of a meteor shower or a single meteorite.