Marina Barcenilla, an astrobiology doctoral researcher and fragrance designer, is recreating the smells of space based on astrochemistry. Her unique scents, including those of Mars, Titan, Bennu, and early Earth, are currently featured at the London Natural History Museum's 'Space: Could life exist beyond Earth?' exhibit. Astronauts have described space as smelling 'antiseptic,' 'burnt steak,' or 'gunpowder.' Barcenilla aims to bring space closer to Earth by translating the chemical compounds of celestial bodies into olfactory experiences.
What does space smell like? This perfume-making astrobiologist is trying to find out
Space smellsNatural History Museum LondonUniversity Of WestminsterMarina BarcenillaPlanetsEarthJupiterMars
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Marina Barcenilla, an astrobiology doctoral researcher and fragrance designer, is recreating the smells of space based on astrochemistry. Her unique scents, including those of Mars, Titan, Bennu, and early Earth, are currently featured at the London Natural History Museum's 'Space: Could life exist beyond Earth?' exhibit. Astronauts have described space as smelling 'antiseptic,' 'burnt steak,' or 'gunpowder.' Barcenilla aims to bring space closer to Earth by translating the chemical compounds of celestial bodies into olfactory experiences.
- 1 2009: Canadian astronaut Julie Payette describes the smell of space.
- 2 2013: Canadian astronaut Chris Hatfield describes the smell of space.
- 3 2015: Marina Barcenilla enrolls in university to study planetary science.
- 4 2017: Marina Barcenilla begins creating space smells.
- 5 Recently: Four of Barcenilla's stellar scents are made available for public sniffing at the London Natural History Museum.
- Increased public engagement and curiosity about space science.
- New educational methods for understanding astrochemistry.
- Bridging the gap between scientific research and public experience.
What: An astrobiologist's project to recreate the smells of various celestial bodies and space environments, and its exhibition at a museum.
When: 2015 (Barcenilla enrolled in university), 2017 (Barcenilla began creating space smells), 2009 (Julie Payette's comments), 2013 (Chris Hatfield's comments).
Where: London (England), University of Westminster, London Natural History Museum, International Space Station, Jupiter, Milky Way, Mars, Titan (moon of Saturn), Bennu (asteroid), Earth.
Why: To make the cosmos more accessible and understandable to the public through the sense of smell, by recreating the chemistry found in different parts of space.
How: Marina Barcenilla applies her knowledge of astrochemistry and perfume design to create scents; her creations are exhibited at the London Natural History Museum; anecdotal descriptions from astronauts inform the project.