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Crystal grown on Space 101
Introduction
Can crystals growing in space really have such a significant impact here on Earth? At first glance, they may seem insignificant. And yet, they are far from it.
At first, growing crystals in space may seem like an unexciting experiment. However, the secrets revealed by these tiny structures as they grow in microgravity environments provide scientific knowledge that can influence science and technology in ways you might not expect.
In this article, we will explore why scientists invest so much time and effort into these tiny structures, nearly 400 kilometers above Earth.
1. What Is Crystal Growth in Space?
What is a crystal?
The simple answer is that a crystal is a solid whose atoms are arranged in a precise and repeating sequence and geometry throughout its structure. In simple terms, they are atoms following the same pattern over and over again.
Crystals can form naturally, but when scientists deliberately trigger this process, it is known as crystallization. This allows researchers to evaluate the patterns that emerge during crystal…
