Scientists are planning to create a new field called “astroforensics.”
The new astroforensics field is being led by Zack Kowalske, a crime scene investigator, who recently published a new study on how gravity in space might change blood spatters.
In his doctoral research at Staffordshire University, Kowalske is investigating how blood splatter tests in microgravity may impact future murder investigations in space.
“As off-world travel becomes more public and mainstream, perhaps in the next century, then I believe we will see human-based conflict and violent crime,” stated Zack Kowalske.
Forensic scientists prepare for crimes and accidents in space with blood splatter microgravity tests https://t.co/VcBt2ErBK2
— Zack Kowalske (@theSciDetective) March 8, 2024
Here’s what the Telegraph reported:
In space, no one can hear you scream.
But experts may soon be able to tell what caused the screaming, after carrying out the first blood spatter tests in microgravity, in anticipation of violent crimes and accidents that may occur off-Earth.
With more people travelling into space, and plans for imminent colonies on the Moon and Mars, a new field of “astroforensics” is needed to aid future investigations.
Self-confessed “space nerd” Zack Kowalske, a crime scene investigator based in Atlanta, Georgia, who became curious about how blood spatters might be impacted by changes in gravity, led the study as part of his doctoral research at Staffordshire University.
“As off-world travel becomes more public and mainstream, perhaps in the next century, then I definitely believe we will see human-based conflict and violent crime,” he said.
“Violent crime is as old as our species, dating from cavemen hitting each other with rocks over food to today’s much more sophisticated means of violence. Where humanity goes so too does violence, not trying to be pessimistic.”
Working alongside the University of Hull, the team concocted fake blood made of 40 per cent glycerin and 60 per cent food colouring, which mimics the density and viscosity of human blood.
🚀 Forensic scientists prepare for crimes in space with blood splatter microgravity tests https://t.co/9gF3T7kSqT
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) March 8, 2024
Per Metro UK:
Forensic scientists have revealed how murder would look like in space, as they simulate blood splatters in microgravity.
With any luck, this will aid the first space detectives.
Along with a real American CSI investigator doing a doctorate, a research team from Staffordshire University and the University of Hull set out to explore the unique challenges of bloodstain pattern analysis aboard a spacecraft.
Experiments were conducted aboard a Zero Gravity Corporation modified Boeing 727 parabolic aircraft.
Nicknamed the ‘Vomit Comet’ the adapted spacecraft has been boarded by big names, such as Stephen Hawking, Kate Upton and Martha Stewart.
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