Is the Science in The Martian Accurate? A Closer Look

When a film like The Martian hits the screens, viewers naturally wonder: how accurate is the science behind these thrilling space adventures? This article will delve into the scientific accuracy of The Martian, providing a detailed analysis of the film's portrayal of Mars and its potential impact on viewers' understanding of the Red Planet.

The Setting: Science in The Martian

The Martian

One Major Flaw: The Dust Storm - While The Martian opens with a dramatic Martian dust storm, it's crucial to note that not everything serves as a precise scientific portrayal. The scene with the dust storm that drives a metal spike through the protagonist's ankle is unequivocally unrealistic. This storm seems shakier on a scientific basis compared to the rest of the film's elements.

However, the visual representation of the Martian storm is visually stunning and adds to the tension. According to the science of Mars, the atmosphere is exceedingly thin, making storms far less devastating and certainly not capable of such violent impacts.

Botanical Adventures: Growing Potatoes on Mars

One of the most fascinating and scientifically intriguing aspects of the film is the portrayal of growing potatoes on Mars. While the potato-growing sequences are depicted as straightforward, in reality, more challenges would be involved. For instance, pre-boiled potatoes in the film are not an accurate representation of potato seeds or cuttings that would be necessary to start a crop on Mars. The altitude, temperature, and soil conditions require significant adaptation, including eliminating harmful chemicals like chromates and perchlorates. These elements are crucial for the survival of Earth plants on Mars.

The Symphonic Orbit of Mars

Orbital Dynamics: A Precision Act - According to the author of the book, Andy Weir, he had made an intense effort to align the orbital dynamics of Mars accurately. The film's depiction is based on these precise calculations, which makes it quite accurate in terms of the orbital mechanics of Mars. Visitors to the planet require careful planning to align with the appropriate orbital path and timing.

The Chemical Imperatives: Living on Mars

B-Vitamin Deficiency: While growing potatoes is a primary survival strategy, the film doesn't delve deeply into the challenges of sustaining a balanced diet on Mars. A diet consisting solely of potatoes could lead to a deficiency in B vitamins, which are crucial for overall health. Mars soil is also heavily infested with perchlorates, which can be toxic to both plants and humans. Therefore, the environment on Mars is more complex and requires a more diverse food source for long-term survival.

Life-Sustaining Solutions: Hydrazine and Habitation

The idea of using catalytic decomposition of hydrazine to produce water by combining hydrogen and oxygen is innovative but fraught with practical problems. Hydrazine is indeed a fuel, and simply burning it would be more straightforward and pose fewer risks. However, the films' depiction of hydrogen's explosive potential is questionable. An explosion could indeed jeopardize the habitation module, potentially leading to catastrophic consequences. The need for a botanist on Mars may not be as immediately apparent, but scientific expertise is essential for colonial efforts.

Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective

In conclusion, while The Martian is not a strictly scientific document, it does bring significant accuracy and attention to the realities of space travel and colonization. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges and risks involved in sending humans to Mars. Despite some scientific liberties taken for dramatic effect, the film remains one of the more scientifically sound depictions of Mars and space exploration. If anything, It encourages viewers to explore the real-world challenges and scientific possibilities of Mars in books and research. Weir and the filmmakers have done a commendable job in fostering interest in space exploration while acknowledging the complexity of the task.