What Does the Moon Smell Like? #kurzgesagt #shorts
What does the Moon smell like and how do we know that? Certainly not by smelling samples from the Moon, that would be extremely stupid. Luna dust is toxic; inhaled, it can be swallowed up by immune cells such as macrophages and trigger further immune reactions. This can lead to chronic inflammation, which in turn can lead to severe lung diseases.
Nanoparticles could even enter other parts of the body through the lungs via the blood. In addition, researchers assume that damage to the cardiovascular system, eye irritation, a disruption of the digestive microbiome, and even abrasion of the skin and teeth might happen. So how do we know what the Moon smells like?
Thanks to inspector coincidence, Luna dust is different from terrestrial dust. It's extremely fine, electrostatically charged, and sharp-edged. Since it hasn't been rounded off by the process of weathering, as it would be on Earth, it sticks everywhere—equipment, space suits, even in the cabin.
Astronauts who were on the Moon reported that moondust smells like burnt gunpowder. Sure, they accidentally put their health at risk, but at least now they know what to say if someone asks them.