Astronomy/Image inversion

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Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 3/31/2009


Question
Convex lenses invert images so they appear upside down.  I once read that the helmets astronauts use have the same effect and that part of their training involved wearing the helmet continuously for several days (something like 7) until their brains flipped the images right-side-up.  Can you tell me any more details about that?

Answer
The helmets do not invert any images.  They are just like a helmet that you would wear on a motorcycle, in the respect that the images are "normal"; right side up.


The helmets are made of clear plastic or durable polycarbonate. Most helmets have coverings to reflect sunlight, and tinted visors to reduce glare, much like sunglasses. Also, prior to a spacewalk, the inside faceplates of the helmet are sprayed with an anti-fog compound. Finally, modern space suit helmet coverings have mounted lights so that the astronauts can see into the shadows.

I have worn several different types of astronaut helmets, so I know first hand.

Steve  

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Steven LJ Russo

Expertise

As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.

Experience

Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.

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