In space, astronauts can indeed cry, but the tears behave differently due to the absence of gravity. While gravity does play a role in the downward flow of tears on Earth, it’s not the sole factor responsible for their movement.
When astronauts cry in space, tears don’t fall as they would on Earth, where gravity pulls them down. Instead, tears form as usual but remain on the eye surface in the form of blobs or bubbles. Without gravity to pull the tears downward, they can accumulate around the eyes or in other areas, forming larger droplets.
If the tears become too large or obstructive, astronauts can use a cloth or tissue to wipe them away. The absence of gravity in space alters the behavior of various fluids in the body, including tears, as they don’t flow or move in the same manner they do on Earth.
So, while the physical appearance of tears may be different in space, astronauts can still experience the emotional response of crying, and the tears themselves do not evaporate or disappear.