Don’t ask me how this question popped into my head, but it did. Now, I know I couldn’t smell in space no matter what the conditions (being a congenital anosmic and all). But is it possible for someone (in general) to smell in space?

I’ve searched the Internet for answers and here’s what I’ve found:

Yes, according to the Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forums; but it would be barely detectable. Apparently, since smell involves the transmission of particles (diffusion) and detection of those particles by a healthy olfactory system…then yes, theoretically you could smell in space; however, as devilmech also points out, there would never be enough of these particles entering your olfactory system at one time for you to notice a smell.

Others think no, smelling in space isn’t possible because no one could actually inhale anything in space. In fact, according to a quiz on oneplusyou.com, I’d only be able to live for a little over one minute in the vacuum of space. See:

How long could you survive in the vacuum of space?

So, I doubt many people would be concerned with how the environment smells. You know, because of all the painful dying and all.

Okay, so what about inside a spaceship?

Well, that’s a different story. According to a discussion on Yahoo! Answers (if you can call that a reliable source), the consensus seems to be that the smell would be much worse than on earth, since a contained spacecraft with recirculated air wouldn’t allow much of an escape for the funky odorous molecules.

Any other opinions on the matter? Perhaps from some scientists at NASA? Anyone know anyone? Aunt Martha…I’m looking at you…I think that would make for an excellent discussion topic the next time you speak in public about your book…