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

Smell the Universe

 
Remember this Futurama episode?  The professor had developed a telescope that would, with the aid of lens and his newly invented "stench coil", aid him in his quest to discover gravity waves. 

Wonderfully kooky moment in an otherwise insane episode.

So why am I waxing nonsensical over an invention by Professor Farnsworth,  well in a odd
coincidence, NASA has on its' payroll one George Aldrich who has been employed as NASA’s staff sniffer for 40 years and NASA considers his contribution vital.




Check out the complete article HERE