Scientific Inaccuracies in The Martian: How Real is the Martian Scenario?

The Martian, a popular novel by Andy Weir, captivated readers with its intricate scientific details and remarkable plot. However, within its high notes of realism, certain inaccuracies in the Martian setting have come to light. This article delves into the scientific inaccuracies present in the story while praising the overall scientific rigor of the narrative.

Scientific Accuracies in The Martian

Before diving into the inaccuracies, it is essential to acknowledge the immense scientific accuracy that The Martian boasts. Andy Weir, a former software engineer, has meticulously verified the science behind his novel, with the film closely following the text. The meticulous attention to scientific detail makes The Martian stand out in the realm of science fiction literature.

Specific Inaccuracies in The Martian

One of the most prominent scientific inaccuracies in The Martian is related to the dust storm at the beginning of the story. While the author's decision to include the dust storm was necessary to establish the character's isolation, the dust storm itself was not reflective of the Martian atmosphere. Mars' thin atmosphere means that any dust storm would have minimal effects on objects larger than the storm itself. For instance, a dust storm on Mars would not have the destructive power to harm the return-to-Earth rocket or the astronaut, Mark Watney.

Another significant inaccuracy pertains to the solar panels and their functionality. On Mars, solar panels would have to be designed to cope with the lower solar intensity compared to Earth. The panels shown in The Martian appear non-uniform and reflective, which would not be the case in reality. Moreover, the panels are set on a fixed tilt of about 30 degrees, implying they are positioned closer to the Martian equator. This position would limit their efficiency during the daily movement of the rover, as seen when the panels are laid out horizontally to recharge batteries. In contrast, they should have been set at the same tilt as when they were initially raked, which could have been adjusted based on the time of day and the angle of the sun.

The estimated maximum solar intensity on Mars is only about half that of Earth. With a 40-panel configuration, the panels might produce around 200W/m2 in bright sunlight, resulting in approximately 1200Wh/m2/day. This amount is far from sufficient to keep a vehicle operational as depicted in the novel and film.

Discussion on Scientific Realism

Although these inaccuracies stand out, it is important to recognize that the purpose of The Martian was more to entertain and provoke thought rather than provide an entirely scientifically precise scenario. The inaccuracies, such as the dust storm and the solar panels, serve the plot in a way that enhances the narrative and character development. Andy Weir has already admitted that the storm that supposedly endangered the expedition and caused Mark Watney's apparent death was inaccurate. This admission underscores the author's acknowledgment of the need to craft a compelling plot rather than a completely scientific accurate one.

Moreover, the thin Martian atmosphere, with a density roughly 1/200th that of Earth's, means that any dust storm on Mars would have negligible effects on structures and living beings. This thin atmosphere, as detailed in Wikipedia, results in mean surface pressure only 0.6 of that of Earth (101.3 kPa), making it impossible for a dust storm to cause the extensive damage portrayed in the novel.

While one may find it difficult to take anything about the movie seriously after the initial inaccuracies, the core scientific principles and the exploration of human survival in a hostile environment remain compelling and inspiring. The Martian continues to engage and challenge readers and viewers with its blend of accurate scientific concepts and imaginative storytelling.

Conclusion

In summary, while The Martian is a masterful work of science fiction, it does contain scientific inaccuracies, particularly regarding the dust storm and solar panels. These inaccuracies, however, serve the overall narrative and do not significantly detract from the scientific accuracy that permeates the rest of the story. The Martian remains a remarkable exploration of human resilience and the quest for scientific truth in a challenging environment.