Something very cool: the smell of space

[peeplj]

Here is an astronaut writing about the smell of space.

This is one of the coolest little articles I’ve read in a long time.

–James

[Tyler]

Spaceballs: The Smell

[chas]

That pretty much jibes with the way (terrestrial) vacuums smell to me. It’s weird that the cleanest thing on the face of the earth has a characteristic smell, but it’s true. And I would describe it exactly as he did – metallic, not unlike welding equipment that hasn’t been used for a few hours.

[peeplj]

I think what both of you are actually smelling, whether it be on earth or in LEO, is ozone caused by the inrush of air when the vacuum is broken and some of the molecules of air ionize and release a static charge.

Just my theory, of course. I’ve never been in LEO, and unfortunately, am never likely to be.

–James

[fearfaoin]

@peeplj

I think what both of you are actually smelling, whether it be on earth or in LEO, is ozone caused by the inrush of air when the vacuum is broken and some of the molecules of air ionize and release a static charge.

Ozone is exactly what came to my mind, as well.
Old Ionic Breeze units used to produce this smell.
Capacitors and IC’s emit it when you destroy them with too much, or
incorrectly polarized, voltage (we call this “releasing the magic smoke”)

[chas]

@peeplj

I think what both of you are actually smelling, whether it be on earth or in LEO, is ozone caused by the inrush of air when the vacuum is broken and some of the molecules of air ionize and release a static charge.

Just my theory, of course. I’ve never been in LEO, and unfortunately, am never likely to be.

Ultrahigh vacuum systems are generally let up to atmosphere with dry nitrogen, so no oxygen to turn into ozone. I suspect that whatever it is, is the absence of something ubiquitous that we’re used to.

[peeplj]

@chas

@peeplj

I think what both of you are actually smelling, whether it be on earth or in LEO, is ozone caused by the inrush of air when the vacuum is broken and some of the molecules of air ionize and release a static charge.

Just my theory, of course. I’ve never been in LEO, and unfortunately, am never likely to be.

Ultrahigh vacuum systems are generally let up to atmosphere with dry nitrogen, so no oxygen to turn into ozone. I suspect that whatever it is, is the absence of something ubiquitous that we’re used to.

Thanks–I didn’t know that.

That’s one thing that makes this place addictive; I have learned some very cool stuff–and, upon occasion, some very odd stuff as well–hanging around the Chiffboard.

–James