The Surprisingly Stinky Scents of Outer Space
While a broken pipe at home might create an unpleasant odor, new research suggests we are fortunate not to experience the extreme smells of outer space. Without protective equipment,astronauts would face not only the dangers of a vacuum but also an olfactory assault. Scientists are analyzing scents from Earth’s closest neighbors to planets hundreds of light-years away, seeking to understand the universe’s structure through its smells.
Planetary Atmospheres: A Stinky Affair
Space researcher Marina Barcenilla, a doctoral student of scent and astrobiology at Westminster University in London, asserts that space is a surprisingly stinky place.
She compares some space smells to a rotten egg and others to the sweet scent of almonds. barcenilla has attempted to recreate the specific smells of comets, planets, moons, and gas clouds in her laboratory.Knowing the chemical compounds of many planets,she can imitate the aromas of space,which are imperceptible to humans without specialized equipment.
Did You know?
The smell of space is often described by astronauts as a mix of burnt metal, welding fumes, and barbecue. this is due to the ionization of molecules caused by high-energy radiation.
Jupiter: The Solar System’s “Stench Bomb”
Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, could overwhelm the senses with unbearable smells. Barcenilla suggests that as one descends through Jupiter’s cloud layers, the intensity of the odors would diminish, but the experience would be far from pleasant:
We would probably wish we would die before we get to the point were the pressure crushes the man.
Marina barcenilla, Space researcher
The Components of Jupiter’s Odor
- Ammonia Ice: Contributes a cat-like smell.
- Ammonium Sulfide: A combination of ammonia and sulfur, creating a pungent aroma.
- Tholins: Molecules similar to gasoline, resulting in a petroleum-oily scent with a hint of garlic.
Pro Tip
To imagine the smell of Jupiter, mix the scents of ammonia, rotten eggs (sulfur), and gasoline. Its a cocktail best left unexplored!
Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, has an atmosphere that smells of sweet almonds, but also petrol and rotting fish, according to chemical analysis.
Given these findings, finding a pleasant extraterrestrial alternative for humans seems unlikely, at least in terms of smell. Any potential space travelers will need to endure more extreme odors than they might expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What dose space smell like?
A: A mix of burnt metal, welding fumes, and barbecue. -
Q: why does space have a smell?
A: due to the ionization of molecules caused by high-energy radiation. -
Q: Is Jupiter a pleasant-smelling planet?
A: No, it is described as a “stench bomb” with odors of ammonia, sulfur, and gasoline.
