Author Topic: Can you hear sounds or feel the force of the wind on Mars?  (Read 9842 times)

Offline Slarty1080

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I realise that the Martian atmosphere is only 1% of that on Earth, but sound waves must travel through it and presumably could be detected instrumentally. But could say a BFR landing nearby be heard by an astronaut outside or by people inside a base? Although the atmosphere is thin the sound waves would be very energetic.

In a similar vein would an astronaut outside be able to feel the wind even slightly say during a big dust storm?
My optimistic hope is that it will become cool to really think about things... rather than just doing reactive bullsh*t based on no knowledge (Brian Cox)

Online meberbs

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Microphones will be on Mars in 2020 source. Not sure how much volume humans could hear, but human senses actually have pretty good dynamic range, so I am guessing at least something depending on helmet design.

As for feeling the wind, force is proportional to density * (velocity squared). Winds on Mars can get to around 60 mph, so at most the force would be equivalent to 6 mph winds on Earth, which should be somewhat noticeable. I'd guess a dust storm would also increase the effective density a bit as well due to the dust particles.

Online Robotbeat

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Yeah, you can hear, but CO2 actually attenuates the sound pretty quick due to being triatomic.
Chris  Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

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Offline Slarty1080

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Yeah, you can hear, but CO2 actually attenuates the sound pretty quick due to being triatomic.

A very good point that I had not even considered!
My optimistic hope is that it will become cool to really think about things... rather than just doing reactive bullsh*t based on no knowledge (Brian Cox)

Online redliox

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Hear maybe, feel not so much since you're talking about near-vacuum pressure.  Naturally this excludes humans being unable to survive terribly long in these conditions, although sticking a naked hand out for under a minute (assuming rest of suit still pressured and you don't care about planetary protection issues) wouldn't cause too much lasting damage.
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Offline TomH

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As for feeling the wind, force is proportional to density * (velocity squared). Winds on Mars can get to around 60 mph, so at most the force would be equivalent to 6 mph winds on Earth, which should be somewhat noticeable. I'd guess a dust storm would also increase the effective density a bit as well due to the dust particles.

Yea, Unfortunately, things like that scene in The Martian, where the storm blew the ship over, give the public false impressions. Not even remotely possible.

Online Robotbeat

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As for feeling the wind, force is proportional to density * (velocity squared). Winds on Mars can get to around 60 mph, so at most the force would be equivalent to 6 mph winds on Earth, which should be somewhat noticeable. I'd guess a dust storm would also increase the effective density a bit as well due to the dust particles.

Yea, Unfortunately, things like that scene in The Martian, where the storm blew the ship over, give the public false impressions. Not even remotely possible.
Well, and repeatedly, acknowledged by the author.
Chris  Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

To the maximum extent practicable, the Federal Government shall plan missions to accommodate the space transportation services capabilities of United States commercial providers. US law http://goo.gl/YZYNt0

Offline Dalhousie

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Yeah, you can hear, but CO2 actually attenuates the sound pretty quick due to being triatomic.

How does that work?
Apologies in advance for any lack of civility - it's unintended

Offline Slarty1080

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Yeah, you can hear, but CO2 actually attenuates the sound pretty quick due to being triatomic.

How does that work?
I think it might be due to more vibrational modes of bending and stretching of the bonds in a 3 atom molecule compared to a 2 atom molecule. This allows it to absorb more energy, at least that is true of IR radiation. Not sure about wind though.
My optimistic hope is that it will become cool to really think about things... rather than just doing reactive bullsh*t based on no knowledge (Brian Cox)

Tags: Mars atmosphere wind sound 
 

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