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12: What does outer space smell like? (You're not gonna like it.)

12: What does outer space smell like? (You're not gonna like it.)

FromThe Why Files: Operation Podcast


12: What does outer space smell like? (You're not gonna like it.)

FromThe Why Files: Operation Podcast

ratings:
Length:
11 minutes
Released:
Jun 26, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

What does the moon smell like? Do planets, comets, asteroids and space have their own odors?  The smells of the universe are not universal. Different objects in space — comets, planets, moons and gas clouds — all have their own distinctive aroma.  
Twelve people have walked on the Moon and all of them agree: the Moon smells like gunpowder.  
According to Space.com, astronaut Jack Schmitt said: “All I can say is that everyone's instant impression of the smell was that of spent gunpowder, not that it was 'metallic' or 'acrid'. Spent gunpowder smell probably was much more implanted in our memories than other comparable odors.”  
The Earth has a variety of smells, depending on what environment you're in. But what about the other planets in our solar system? Venus has a crushing carbon dioxide atmosphere, while Jupiter's atmosphere is stormy and turbulent. While we can see what color and understand the conditions on these planets, what do they actually smell like? Scientists hadn’t found clear evidence of the planet’s chemical composition until now.  
Yes, it has been confirmed that Uranus smells like... farts. Astronomers recently found that the atmosphere of Uranus has high levels of hydrogen sulphide, a compound that smells like rotten eggs. Mercury has a very sparse atmosphere and so would not have much of a smell at all. Venus and Mars, much like Uranus, have substantial quantities of eggy hydrogen sulphide.  
For Jupiter, the smell would depend on where you were in the atmosphere. Some regions have high concentrations of ammonia, hydrogen sulphide and others hydrogen cyanide (bitter almonds). Saturn and Neptune probably don’t have much of a smell because they’re composed chiefly of the odorless gases hydrogen and helium.  
Let's find out why.

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Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewhyfiles/support
Released:
Jun 26, 2022
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Do you have natural curiosity, interest in scientific mysteries and a great sense of humor? You're in the right place! We cover brainy topics with comedy spin. I'm AJ , the Head Nerd In Charge. You might know me from the Discovery, Sirius-XM, A&E, MTV and Joe Rogan. The Why Files is a channel for people who are fascinated (obsessed) with science, science-fiction, bizarre history, weird facts, strange places, conspiracies and unusual people. Join us as we learn about the mysteries of the universe and have a few laughs along the way. ---- OFFICIAL https://thewhyfiles.com Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thewhyfiles/support