What can we believe in the film "Martian"?
Makradar Technologies / / December 19, 2019
Critics vying repeating: "Martian" will be one of the best films about space. Some, however, wrinkle your nose and indicate errors - say, you unscientific picture turned out. Where is the truth and what is actually possible to believe?
Andy Weir, a programmer by profession, spent three years in the study of space subjects, physics and biology, and then wrote the book "The Martian". It is surprising that it was called "science fiction", because all techniques described in its pages, there are in reality. There is no "quantum jumps" or anabioznyh cameras - only NASA development. Yes, of course, we can not go to Mars, because we do not have even this ship. And we are not talking about the rest of the technologies necessary for life on the red planet. But if people still visited the neighboring planet, most likely, his journey and life would have been so, as the book describes the "Martian".
What's wrong?
Scientists from NASA have highly praised the film. Despite the fact that it has flaws, "Martian" still accurately reflects reality. Believe, of course, you do not need everything: some aspects of the show wrong. Among them - the sandstorms, radiation protection, and something else.
RTG
In order not to spoil much, say, the plot of "Martian" radioisotope thermoelectric generator buried on the red planet. Initially it was used as a charger for the spacecraft, but then was "buried" in order to protect the crew from possible radioactive emissions. This could not happen in reality. Yes, there is a generator - the rover Curiosity just rolls around with. But plutonium, which is used in the design, - a substance that is very long stays hot. Suppose that at the time of the filming of the presence of water on Mars did not take into account, but the red planet is always considered as potentially "live". Buried in the soil it may be washed by the groundwater heat source would be foolish. After all, if we provoke proliferation of terrestrial bacteria on Mars. This compromises the further studies of the Red Planet.
Walking unattended
When the astronauts in the film comes out, they quietly go for a walk on the red planet. In reality this can not be - NASA does not allow its employees to hang out uncontrollably in outer space. On Mars, it would be the same: each astronaut must "attach" themselves to the ship, so as not to get lost. Long cable is sufficient and it does not hinder movement. By the way, there are a few people who have been in space without such here "leash" in the world.
And what was the truth?
Despite the shortcomings, the film still was very realistic. Most of the things that you see on the screen, there is a well designed in NASA. It is safely possible to believe almost anything. For example…
The Road to Mars
Then, as in the "Martian" team reached the red planet, is very similar in the near future. The person is likely to go there in a spaceship, designed for long flights. On the surface of Mars command falls in a special capsule. There they would wait for pre-delivered residential unit with a supply of provisions. In general, the film shows everything is correct. The only thing that can be confusing - the lack of such a plan. Yet these things were doing only with robots and devices. But when the red planet to send a man, and then see where the miscalculated the creators of "Martian".
Attention to detail
Wear suit - is like a huge balloon on to put themselves. After all, this special suit filled with air, which simulates the pressure on Earth. Because of this, the astronauts is very difficult to carry out all manipulations, especially the fingers to bend and move them. This activity becomes incredibly difficult and requires great effort. In the book, it complains about himself Mark Watney.
In NASA's, by the way, I know that the problem exists. They are trying to find a consensus and create these gloves that are more comfortable, but still protect hands from boiling blood. Of course, the protagonist of "Martian" could not reach the center of the frame, and said: "These gloves are terrible, because ..." But we noticed hints Andy Weir and appreciate his attention to detail.
research Fellows
Usually more scientists look at the screen as the people who can pronounce the long term and have a strange geek clothing. But in the "Martian" all different. Perhaps because of Drew Goddard, who has worked on the screenplay for the film, and was able to create magnificent images of NASA research staff. They know how to work together, joking, ready to help and, of course, are very intelligent. The fact that Goddard turned, and said former astronaut Mike Massimino, who noted: researchers and space agency workers are depicted with phenomenal precision.
Anyway ...
The book and film "Martian" should take its place among the canonical works of popular science. This is a story about how the cosmos has always been and will be a dangerous place. But human ingenuity sometimes takes precedence over this abyss. Well and that all the problems are solved in the book normal and logical way. There is no "wrong" orbits (hello, "Gravity"!), No one is guided by the "power of love" (hello, "Interstellar!"). "Martian" as much as possible brings us to the fact that we know what will be the trip to Mars in 2030-ies.
Based on materials Popular Science.