Height Changes in Space and Earth

Astronauts gain up to two inches in height while floating in space. Without gravity

constantly pushing down on your spine, the discs between your vertebrae expand and stretch out

naturally. Your body decompresses like a relaxed accordion within just a few days of reaching

orbit. But the extra height doesn't last. Once astronauts return to Earth,

gravity immediately starts compressing their spine again. They shrink back to normal height

within a few months. Some even deal with back pain during readjustment. The crazy part is

this happens to everyone on Earth too but in reverse. You're actually taller in the morning

than at night because gravity compresses your spine throughout the day.