Here's what a comet's 'perfume' would smell like
Scientists at Switzerland's University of Bern have determined what "Eau de Comet" would smell like — and you should be thankful you can't experience it for yourself.
The scientists announced Thursday that the comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko's "perfume" includes notes of "rotten eggs, horse urine, formaldehyde, bitter almonds, alcohol, vinegar, and a hit of sweet ether," The Associated Press reports. To reach their conclusion, the scientists analyzed chemicals in the gas and dust surrounding the comet via data measured by a spectrometer on the ESA's Rosetta spacecraft.
The combination of scents may provide scientists with new insight into the solar system's early chemical makeup, which could be connected to Earth's formation. The scientists plan to compare Churyumov-Gerasimenko's scent with those of other comets from the nearby Oort cloud.
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"Its perfume may not be Chanel No. 5, but comets clearly have their own preferences," Kathrin Altwegg, Rosina's chief scientist, told NBC News.
