The question of how celestial objects might smell in the vast expanses of space has always been a subject that has attracted the attention of scientists. Recent findings have revealed what Uranus, the seventh planet in the solar system, smells like.
Uranus smells like “farts and rotten eggs”
According to scientists’ findings, Uranus has an odor reminiscent of farts and rotten eggs. Although the idea of breathing Uranus’ atmosphere directly is impossible due to the lack of oxygen and the planet’s gaseous composition, astronomers have made intriguing discoveries using advanced tools.
The Near Infrared Integral Field Spectrometer (NIFS) at the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii played a crucial role in the analysis of Uranus. Researchers found that the planet’s cloud cover consists mainly of hydrogen sulfide gas. This chemical is famous for giving rotting eggs their unpleasant and distinctive smell.
As a result, if one goes deep into Uranus’ atmosphere, this heavy odor can create a feeling similar to vomiting, some even liken it to the smell of farts.
Astronauts returning from spacewalks have reported strange odors clinging to their spacesuits, describing odors ranging from burnt steak to gunpowder and ozone. Therefore, it is not surprising that Uranus smells like this.
Interestingly, Uranus is not the only celestial body in space associated with unpleasant odors. For example, comets also exhibit concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in their gaseous halos, as well as ammonia and other molecules that contribute to bad odors.
Some researchers have even floated the idea that Uranus might smell like urine, speculating that ammonia ice in the planet’s clouds could add another distinctive aroma to the mix.
While scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of distant planets and celestial bodies, the unexpected revelation that Uranus has a rather unpleasant smell may contribute to humankind’s future studies.
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