Have you ever opened a fizzy drink and gotten an unexpected shower? Did you know that phenomenon will never happen under water?

In an article for Nerdist, Commander Chris Hadfield, a former Canadian astronaut who was the first Canadian to walk in space, explains the science behind it.

Basically, carbonated drinks like seltzer or soda get their fizz from dissolved carbon dioxide. When you open the can or bottle, you expose the liquid to pressure imbalance (i.e. the pressure outside of the container is lower than the pressure inside it). So, if you shake the can or bottle before opening it, it will increase the pressure inside the can and when you pop the top it will cause an impressive soda explosion.

When you are about 60 feet (18.2 meters) below the waves, the pressure outside is so high that it forces the bubbles back into the liquid hence no explosion. And yes, your soda opened at depth will stay fizzy longer too.

For more science-based information on our industry’s products, visit LetsClearItUp.org.