What can you believe in the movie "The Martian"?

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Critics vied with each other: "The Martian" will be one of the best films about space. Some, however, wrinkle their noses and point out mistakes - they say, you have an unscientific picture. Where is the truth and what can you really believe?

Andy Weir, a computer programmer by profession, spent three years researching space, physics and biology, after which he wrote the book "The Martian". It is surprising that it was called "science fiction", because all the technologies described on its pages exist in reality. There are no "quantum leaps" or suspended cameras - only NASA developments. Yes, of course, we can't go to Mars yet, because we don't even have such a ship. And we are not talking about the rest of the technologies necessary for life on the red planet. But if a person did visit a neighboring planet, most likely, his travel and life would be the same as the book "The Martian" describes.

What's wrong?

Scientists from NASA praise the film very much. Despite the fact that there are flaws in it, "The Martian" still very accurately reflects reality. Of course, you don't need to believe everything: some aspects are shown incorrectly. Among them are dust storms, radiation protection and something else.

RTG

In order not to spoil too much, let's say: according to the plot of The Martian, a radioisotope thermoelectric generator is buried on the red planet. It was originally used as a charger for the spacecraft, but was later "buried" to protect the crew from possible radioactive releases. This could not have happened in reality. Yes, the generator exists - the Curiosity rover is just rolling around with this. But the plutonium used in the construction is a substance that stays hot for a very long time. Although the presence of water on Mars was not taken into account at the time of filming, the red planet was always considered as potentially "alive". It would be foolish to bury a source of heat in its soil, perhaps washed by underground waters. After all, then we provoke the reproduction of terrestrial bacteria on Mars. And this compromises further research on the red planet.

Walking unattended

When the astronauts go outside in the film, they calmly go for a walk on the red planet. In reality, this cannot be - NASA does not allow its employees to hang out uncontrollably in space. On Mars, it would be the same: every astronaut must "tie" himself to the ship so as not to get lost. A long cable is sufficient and does not hinder movement. By the way, there are only a few people in the world who have been in space without such a "leash".

What was true?

Despite the shortcomings, the film still turned out to be very realistic. Most of the things that you see on the screen exist or are designed by NASA. You can safely believe in almost everything. For example…

Road to Mars

The way the team reached the red planet in "The Martian" is very similar to the near future. A person is likely to travel there in a spaceship designed for long flights. The team will descend to the surface of Mars in a special capsule. There they will be awaited by a pre-delivered living unit with a supply of provisions. In general, the film shows everything right. The only thing that can be confusing is the lack of implementation of such a plan. So far, this sort of thing has only been done with robots and devices. But when a man goes to the red planet, then we will see where the creators of the "Martian" miscalculated.

Attention to detail

Wearing a spacesuit is like putting on a huge balloon. After all, this special suit is filled with air that simulates the pressure on Earth. Because of this, it is very difficult for astronauts to carry out all the manipulations, especially to bend and move their fingers. This activity becomes incredibly difficult and requires a lot of effort. In the book, Mark Watney himself complains about this.

By the way, NASA is aware that such a problem exists. They are trying to find a consensus and create gloves that are more comfortable, but still protect the hands from boiling blood. Of course, the main character of "The Martian" could not go to the center of the frame and say: "These gloves are just awful, because …" But we noticed Andy Weir's hints and appreciate his love for detail.

Scientific staff

Usually big scientists look on the screen as people who can pronounce long terms and wear strange geek clothes. But in "The Martian" everything is completely different. Perhaps thanks to Drew Goddard, who worked on the script for the film and was able to create great images of NASA scientists. They know how to work together, they joke, they are ready to help and, of course, are very smart. Former astronaut Mike Massimino also says that Goddard has succeeded, who noted: the researchers and employees of the space agency are depicted with phenomenal accuracy.

Anyway …

Both the book and the film "The Martian" should take their place among the canonical popular science works. This is a story that space has always been and will be a dangerous place. But human ingenuity sometimes takes over this abyss. It is also good that all problems in the book are solved in normal and logical ways. There are no "wrong" orbits (hello, "Gravity"!), No one is guided by the "power of love" (hello, "Interstellar!"). The "Martian" brings us as close as possible to knowing what a voyage to Mars will be like in the 2030s.

Based on materials from Popular Science.