[blam]

Because of the low density of the air on Mars, the storm that caused all the damage and stranded Matt Damon (The Martian) there would have had to have winds in excess of 10,000 miles per hour. (this could not happen on Mars)

[equaviator]

“winds in excess of 10,000 miles per hour”

In your face, Matt Damon!

[jmcenanly]

If Ares 3 had been an actual mission, the crew would have sought shelter either in the Hab or one of the rovers, and spent some time shoveling out. It would not have made a very compelling story.

[PIF]

JUst asking, but how did you arrive at 10,000mph? Looked to me like 60-80mph wind speed, which seemed enough.

[norwaypinesavage]

"the storm that caused all the damage and stranded Matt Damon (The Martian) there would have had to have winds in excess of 10,000 miles per hour."

Not quite. The formula for wind force (drag) on an object says that the wind force is proportional to the air density times velocity squared. The air pressure on Mars is about 0.6% of the pressure on earth, which is roughly proportional to the density, depending on the composition of the air. Assuming it's proportional, you get a wind speed of about 900 mph on Mars would be equivalent to a wind speed of 70 mph on earth. (70/(sqrt(.006))