31. Why You Can't Cry in Space

http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/01/why-you-cant-cry-in-space/267147/

Megan Garber's article "Why You Can't Cry in Space" presents interesting facts about the effect of no gravity on crying. Beginning with the real life incident with Astronaut Andrew Feustel, Garber captures the reader's interest from the start of the article. Garber states that the episode of the flake of the anti-fogging solution entering the astronaut's eye, causing it to tear up reminds us that crying is technically impossible in space because there is no gravity to pull the tear drops downward. Garber states another instance with an astronaut, Chris Hadfield, who had revealed through answering a student's question via twitter, that tearing up in space can actually cause the eyes to sting rather than soothing them. Garber constantly uses quotes from the astronauts to display the facts about crying in space and uses comparison-contrast to illustrate the fascination of the different world above the Earth.

Garber's tone is casual and informal, and indicates the intended audience as the general readership without necessary academic specialties. Her purpose is to inform and to entertain the audience with the typically curious topic of what it is like in outer space. Accordingly, the article is made of relatively easy diction and a friendly tone of voice, successfully accompanying a purpose of entertainment.