Posted on 08/13/2012 1:16:41 PM PDT by lbryce
Somewhere, Beavis just got wood.
...researchers found average concentrations of 15,000 parts per million inside trees
The Lower Flammability Limit of methane is 4.5 to 5.0 percent by volume in air. That's 45,000 to 50,000 ppmv. I guess if 15,000 ppm was average, they could have found higher concentrations. OK, passes the smell test.
Which brings up an interesting question. Does the chemical make-up that comprise the olfactory molecules travel in space and detectable by the olfactory nerves in the nostrils? Probably not, but if they do, no one may actually hear you fart in space but especially if it is only the two of you, they’ll know you transported unauthorized contraband methane gas and then be subject to the class-3 felony punishment in which importing methane gas is strictly enforced.
But, if NASA had any foresight, looking "out of the box" for safety systems innovations, say, in the event of a spacesuit jet-nozzle failure/loss of fuel and subsequent inability for the astronaut to navigate in space essentially stranding him without the ability to move, NASA would have a very "elegant" back-up rescue system with nozzles built into the spacesuit directly behind the anal fart-gas sphincter which would allow a stranded astronaut some modicum of movement, control, navigation and with only a few grams of beans in a pre-space walk meal, or even have the astronaut with access to dried bean paste within the space suit as Apollo astronauts had for their own energy and nourishment, it might some day save a life. Don't laugh. I see the headline now. March 26, 2098; "Stranded Astronaut Farts Himself to Safety."
First, I'm sure that 'sign' was photoshopped.
Second, the WHY or WHAT would happen seem obvious. I've never been in a Space Suit, so maybe it's not really obvious. Makes one wonder what would happen if one were to suddenly overpressurize their suit.
Perhaps this clip will help answer some questions.
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1600734/rocket_man_farting_in_space/
Very entertaining. Thank you very much for taking the time to enlighten me on this subject. The thing is I have no special interest or fetish regarding flatulence. Nevertheless, hardcore science abounds if you know where to look. or where to put your senses.
That’s a good one. Thanks.
And, I thought trees were our friends.
Trees are our friends; but they won’t pick you up at the airport.
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