WE ALL know that space is empty. The vast majority of space is devoid of anything, including dust, planets, and suns, as well as air.
But one thing that often surprises astronauts during an exploration isn’t what they see, but what they smell.
Many have claimed that space carries an unpleasant scent, something like burnt steak mixed with body odour.
But how could that be possible if it's void of anything, so is it really true or just a faux rumour?
Verdict:
TRUE
Astronauts who’ve actually been to space consistently describe something far less appetizing. NASA spacewalker Thomas Jones once said the scent carries a "distinct odour of ozone, a faint acrid smell."
Others report "burning metal," "walnuts and brake pads," "gunpowder," and even "burnt almond cookies."
Scientists believe this strange scent is caused by high-energy particles that interact with the exterior of space suits and equipment.
Once brought back into the cabin, these particles react with the air, releasing a burnt, metallic odour. Another compelling explanation involves polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carbon-based molecules formed during the combustion of stars.
PAHs are also found in charred food, vehicle exhaust, and smoke, offering a terrestrial parallel to the odours astronauts describe. But not all associations with space smells are quite so acrid.
References:
1. https://www.theatlantic.com/
2. https://science.howstuffworks.
3. https://reporter.anu.edu.au/
