15. According To Astronauts, Space Smells Like Seared Steak, Hot Metal, And Welding Fumes

15. According To Astronauts, Space Smells Like Seared Steak, Hot Metal, And Welding Fumes

We're always told that space is pretty much full of nothing - a vast emptiness with the occasional star or planet hanging in it. So, you probably wouldn't expect it to have any kind of smell at all - and that's where you'd be wrong.

The people who'd know best - i.e. astronauts who've actually been out there - report that it has a strong and memorable aroma, although what that aroma is depends a little on which of them you ask about it. When returning from spacewalks, and removing their spacesuits, all of them say a heavy stench clings to the helmet, suit and gloves, as well as any tools they've used. Don Pettit, an astronaut in 2003, compared it to the smell of a welding torch he'd used in his youth, whereas others have reported something more akin to seared steak. Scientists believe it's probably the result of high energy vibrations coming from nearby ion particles.

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Did You Know...

I

Over the years, weve seen so many food trends come and go, such as ramen burgers, matcha, and spiked ice-cream. Nowadays, were seeing another trend making waves in the food industry. How many times today have you seen an Instagram photo of a scoop of black ice cream, or a cup of black yogurt, or hamburgers with black buns? Indeed, the charcoal trend has taken the world by storm.

II

So, what gives your latte that deep black shade? Activated charcoal, or coconut ash, is produced by heating coconut shells to insanely high temperatures until theyre burnt to a crisp. The ashes are then increased in size by steaming at high temperatures. Through this process, the ashes become a strong detoxifier, mostly because they become extra absorbent. This product may be purchased in pill form, and promises to alleviate hangovers, minimize the effects of food poisoning, and fight the visible signs of aging.

III

Activated charcoal is said to boost ones energy as a result of decreasing toxins in the body. However, no evidence proves that detoxifying can lead to increased energy. Also, while it can help cure a hangover, it doesnt necessarily remove alcohol from your blood. It is also said to aid in debloating your stomach because it cleanses your colon but again, this all anecdotal and isnt supported by scientific evidence as of yet. All we can say for sure is that it is a proven detoxifier.

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