4 facts
Upon returning to the spacecraft after spacewalks, astronauts often describe the smell of space as a mix of hot metal, seared steak, and welding fumes, possibly due to high-energy vibrations in particles.
Petrichor is the earthy scent produced when rain falls on dry soil. It's caused by a combination of oils released from plants and a chemical called geosmin, produced by bacteria, which becomes airborne with the impact of raindrops.
Olfactory memory is remarkably powerful and long-lasting, often linked to vivid emotional recall. This vast capacity allows us to distinguish a wide array of smells, from subtle perfumes to complex food aromas, influencing our perceptions daily.
Upon returning to the airlock after spacewalks, astronauts often describe a distinct, pungent aroma clinging to their suits, reminiscent of a metallic, smoky, and slightly sweet scent. This is thought to be caused by high-energy vibrations of ions in space.