Friday, August 29, 2014

Space Smells Like What?!


Hey, here is an interesting article from Science in a Can called:

What does space smell like?

I know.... the near-vacuum of space has a smell? Well yes it would seem and astronauts have reported the strange odor after space walks.  Their equipment would be permeated by bitter, smoky, metallic smells like seared steak, hot metal and arc welding all rolled into one.
It’s believed that the smell is caused by high-energy vibrations in particles that mix with the air when brought inside.

NASA has asked a chemist to reproduce the smell, in hope of using it during acclimatization training sessions.

Astronomers, searching the vast dust cloud in the middle of the Milky Way, called Sagittarius B2, have found a substance called ethyl formate.  Which would mean that Sagittarius B2 smells and tastes like raspberries and rum.  mmm oh yes that is a much more pleasant combination than seared steak and metal.
 
Read the complete article HERE

2 comments:

btonym said...

I do like to look for tidbits of humor that lurk in the realm of space sciences, but all i can say here has been said. Professor Farnsworth will be happy to know that the success of his "Smell-o-scope" has preceded him.
I'm going to ask my bartender to see if he can make a "Saggitarius B2" to see if the galaxy tastes as good as it seems to smell. Cheers.

Beam Me Up said...

You know btonym when I first mentioned it that is exactly where I went. Now when they go into the exact taste and smell....well I just could not resist.