> [!quote] [2022-06-13 edition](https://theprepared.org/newsletter-archive/2022-06-13) of [[The Prepared]] by [[Amreeta Duttchoudhury]] > [Metallic whiskering](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whisker_(metallurgy)) is a phenomenon that occurs in some metals where fuzzy, hair-like strands separate from the base material and can cause unexpected shorts in electronics. Whiskering is common in vacuum environments, adding a layer of complexity to material selection for in-space applications, especially those near sensitive satellite optical sensors. [NASA has a list of materials that whisker](https://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/other_whisker/index.htm), including zinc, cadmium, tin, and silver. Related fun fact: [Lead is added to solder to mitigate whiskering](https://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/background/index.htm).