Tag

Space Smell

All articles tagged with #space smell

science4 months ago•6 min saved

Scientists Describe the Actual Smell of Space

Space has no air to carry smells, but astronauts report metallic or acrid odors after spacewalks, likely from reactions involving atomic oxygen and cabin materials. Scientists study space smells to understand planetary chemistry, with examples including the sulfurous scent of Mars, the petroleum-like aroma of Titan's hydrocarbons, and the complex, faint odors of comets and the galaxy's center, revealing insights into the universe's composition and history.

via bgr.com|

#astrochemistry #astronauts #celestial-bodies

space2 years ago•5 min saved

"The Aroma of Space: Unveiling the Cosmic Scent"

Astronauts have reported smelling ozone, burnt steak, and gunpowder-like odors after spacewalks, likely due to the chemistry of space interacting with their spacesuits. Space is not completely odorless, with molecules like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in charred food also occurring in space. Different cosmic locations have unique odors, such as the rotten egg and urine-like smell of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and the gasoline-like scent of Saturn's moon Titan. Even interstellar clouds like Sagittarius B2 contain aromatic chemistry, with the presence of alcohol and ethyl formate, which gives raspberries and rum their sweet fragrances.

via Space.com|

#apollo-moon-landings #astronauts #cosmic-chemistry

space2 years ago•3 min saved

"The Aroma of the Cosmos: Unveiling the Scent of Space"

Astronauts have reported that space smells like burnt things such as seared steak, spent gunpowder, burnt cakes, and hot metal. Although space is a near-perfect vacuum, astronauts catch a whiff of this unique odor upon removing their helmets after spacewalks. The smell may be attributed to chemical reactions triggered by atomic oxygen clinging to spacesuits and other items exposed to space, or it could be related to smelly molecules produced by dying stars. To recreate the scent, a perfume called Eau de Space was created based on astronauts' descriptions, but few people have truly experienced the smell of space to comment on its realism.

via Livescience.com|

#astronauts #chemical-reactions #eau-de-space