A video posted by China showing its astronauts on the Tiangong Space Station has users questioning whether they’re actually in space.
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After China posted the clip, social media users with sharp eyes quickly noticed some details that, according to them, revealed the astronauts’ true location.
In the video that went viral on X (formerly Twitter), a glass of water is seen sitting on a table next to one of the astronauts.
However, the water in the glass appears not to be moving — despite the microgravity environment — which led X users to claim the astronauts couldn’t possibly be in space.
“Why isn’t the water floating out of the glass?” one asked. “Can you explain why it keeps its shape in the cup?” said another. “Apparently it’s strapped down with Velcro. Please take all the time you need,” joked a third.
Despite the conspiracy theories, there’s a simple explanation for the phenomenon. “Water molecules prefer to stick to the glass and to each other rather than disperse into the air,” said Jordan Bimm, a postdoctoral researcher and space historian at the University of Chicago, to the AP.
“So, if there’s no external force, the water remains in clumps in a zero-gravity environment — in this case, inside the glass,” he added.
Photo and video: X @BGatesIsaPsycho. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
Call me crazy but if I was orbiting the Earth at 17,500mph in Zero Gravity surrounded complex computers…..
I probably wouldn’t risk an unconcealed glass of water resting on the table. Apparently it’s strapped down with velcro.
Please take all the time you need. pic.twitter.com/gLGEEcNSkX
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPsycho) June 15, 2025
