China’s Tiangong Space Station Video Sparks Microgravity Water Debate

A viral video from China's Tiangong Space Station showing astronauts working in zero gravity has sparked conspiracy theories due to a glass of water appearing to remain still on a table, contradicting expectations that water would float freely in microgravity. Skeptics argue that the water's behavior proves the footage was faked or filmed on Earth, as they believe water should form floating spheres rather than staying contained. However, experts including a University of Chicago researcher explained that surface tension causes water molecules to cling to the glass and each other, maintaining the liquid's shape even in weightlessness. The Associated Press debunked the claims, clarifying the physics behind the water's behavior and noting that the glass was part of a live-streamed science lesson by the Shenzhou-13 crew. Despite these explanations, the conspiracy theories gained traction online, fueled further by some misleading AI-generated misinformation. China's space program responded by sharing behind-the-scenes content to reaffirm the authenticity of their space activities.