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Monday May 06, 2024

What do space, moon smell like? Here's what an astronaut's nose told him

Astronauts don't have to cope with many of the stronger odours present in universe since they wear helmets

By Web Desk
January 12, 2024
An illustration depicting celestial bodies in outer space. — RBKOMAR
An illustration depicting celestial bodies in outer space. — RBKOMAR

Scientists claim that the odours in space are extraordinary, despite the fact that there is no oxygen to breathe as per a recent report from Space.com.

Astronauts don't actually have to cope with many of the stronger odours present in the universe since they wear helmets. The odours, however, can become interesting once they're back inside their spacecraft and have a safe place to take off their helmets according to People.

"Space definitely has a smell that's different than anything else," astronaut Dominic "Tony" Antonelli said in 2009.

The lunar terrain is said to smell strongly of gunpowder and "burnt steak," according to anyone who worked at the International Space Station or took part in the Apollo moon landing.

“Everyone's instant impression of the smell was that of spent gunpowder," Apollo 17's Harrison "Jack" Schmitt, who walked on the moon in 1972, previously told the outlet. "Spent gunpowder smell probably was much more implanted in our memories than other comparable odors."

"It reminded me of my college summers where I labored for many hours with an arc welding torch repairing heavy equipment for a small logging outfit," Nasa astronaut Don Pettit once wrote in a blog post. "It reminded me of pleasant sweet-smelling welding fumes."