Whenever a new science fiction movie comes out, there’s often a lot of talk about how “accurate” it is, and this is usually in reference to the science: Can dinosaur DNA really come from a preserved mosquito? Can an asteroid really be deflected with a nuclear bomb?Usually, the scientific content of these movies is inaccurate, as movie directors try to engage in fantasy by having monsters and magic. If it doesn’t involve post-apocalyptic scenes of zombies invading the Earth, it is not appetizing for the over-demanding audience. With this in mind, “The Martian” might be one of the most accurate movies in terms of scientific content. However, it still exaggerates many aspects related to agriculture and fails to mention the reality behind trying to grow plants on Mars.
Farming on Mars
In the movie, after becoming stranded on the surface of Mars, Watney resorts to using a combination of his excrement, water, and Martian soil to grow potatoes. But is this realistic? Could the Martian soil be of any use? Isn’t it sterile and dead?
In terms of basic mineral content and chemical content, yes, it would be possible to grow plants in the Martian Soil. In fact, scientists conducted research on the chemical composition of rocks from Mars. They found that mars contained many bio-elements such as Potassium, Calcium, and Iron. Scientists claim that the rocky material on Mars is fertile and has the potential to yield extremely productive soils.
Well, kudos to the director for getting these facts right but Hang on! Is using human excrements even safe? No, it is not. Many studies show that using excrements could result in major health problems. It could spread disease and have a serious impact on human health.
Water Availability
Matt Damon’s character took hydrazine from the rocket and dissociated it into nitrogen and hydrogen. He then mixed the hydrogen with oxygen to make water. This process is doable if I was an expert on how to extract fuel and knew basic chemistry. It could certainly work but if I was stranded on Mars, I will just make water out of the soil. Water is available in its natural state on Mars as ice, permafrost or soaked into the soil. Martian soil is about 5% water. by weight, at low latitude and up to 60% water near the poles. Martians are not going to get their water by importing hydrazine and burning it with precious cabin oxygen, they are going to find it in the soil!
The Martian was a great movie in terms of depicting scientific content. It succeeded in inspiring young people to consider the possibility of conquering space. However, before you pack your bags and move to Mars, you must know that surviving on Mars could be a struggle. Even though the elements of life might be available on Mars, trying to sustain human life will be a challenge.
