How Atoms Are Defying Gravity in NASA's Cold Atom Lab

NASA’s Cold Atom Lab studies the quantum nature of atoms, the building blocks of our universe, in a place that is out of this world – the International Space Station. This animated explainer explores what quantum science is and why NASA wants to do it in space.

Quantum science has revolutionized our understanding of the physical world and led to new technologies including cellphones, computers, medical devices, and GPS. However, Earth’s gravity poses challenges for studying the quantum behaviors of atoms.

To overcome those challenges, Cold Atom Lab operates in microgravity. Using lasers and magnetic fields, scientists run the lab remotely from Earth, cooling groups of atoms to temperatures colder than any naturally occurring matter in the universe. Cold atoms, nearly motionless, reveal their behaviors more clearly. The absence of Earth’s gravity allows for prolonged atom study, opening new avenues in quantum exploration.

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

[electricminecrafter]

finally comments are enabled in a nasa video

[fredericfillion]

Love the 50's vibe in this video ❤

[expioreris]

Are we changing the definition of the word "defy" or is this just a clickbait title?

[hauptmannoffensichtlich]

This is a great short introduction for ordinary people who have at most heard of quantum theory. I also like the representation of atoms in this video more than the classic version with those little orbiting balls, which was technically misleading.

[osmia]

Really loving the animations in this presentation

[lifeinjaneyscrochetworld]

I have never been good with atoms😯, thanks for sharing

[Baron.Marcus]

Well done! Great science, AND great art.
🙂✨👍

[pedrodelaluna]

Got it makes perfect mathematical sense.😁🤣

[llaus]

Thank you. I have shared the link with some teachers.

[iamdmc]

Very cool work - ground-breaking doesn't begin to describe it. I hope that the ISS is saved (retrofitted to replace all componente) or its mission is extended long enough to overlap with a new space station. This research needs to continue

[augtsu]

Very cool subject, pun intended. Wish I had the funds to take the three credit hour physics class to get a minor in physics to go along with my major in EE.

[usd]

YouTube Kids Quantum Science, I respect it

[xxmonkey]

Great learning video
I explained an atom to my ten year old daughter, and after she listened patiently and when I was finished she said “ do you like Taylor Swift?”
😂

[kennethhicks]

What! A temperature gravity connection?!

[NeonsStyleHD]

Jeez could you have dumbed it down anymore? At least label the title *_For Kids_*

[MrRemnants]

Whatever you're studying just please do it quickly before your politicians abolish education down there. Only a matter of time with the way things seem to be going for you folks down State side.

[ghillartin]

GPS, are you sure???
However, quantum computers could work better in low gravity...

[JoeDeglman]

The ether, or magnetic domain wall, condensed around matter follow the Newton evanescent Aether model of the general theory.
The failure of atoms to comply with the "laws of physics" is due to the application of the Einstein/quantum model of the atom and gravity.

[bingeltube]

Maybe this video should be labeled as made for school children.