Naked Science Forum

General Science => General Science => Topic started by: thedoc on 17/06/2016 23:50:01

Title: How scientifically feasible was The Martian?
Post by: thedoc on 17/06/2016 23:50:01
Richard asked the Naked Scientists:
   Hi, I've just seen the film "The Martian". It was impressed by the idea of growing potatoes in the Martin soil in the way that he did, but can it be true that potatoes can be grown in sterile soil with the only range of bacteria to help breakdown the soil so that the plants can use the available inorganic nutrients found in the soil is that from a human gut.  Let's assume that the potatoes used were completely free of plant Earth's bacteria.    Also how long could a person satisfactorily survive on a diet of what appeared to be 90% microwaved potato and 10% of 'other stuff' and being rationed to the level that he was?
What do you think?
Title: Re: How scientifically feasible was The Martian?
Post by: IAMREALITY on 21/06/2016 21:11:50
Yes, the botanical aspects of the martian are 100% accurate, and he absolutely would've been able to grow those crops.

As far as the diet, yes, he absolutely could survive on the potatoes and rations as well; though after that many days I would expect him to have been a bit thinner.
Title: Re: How scientifically feasible was The Martian?
Post by: jeffreyH on 21/06/2016 21:57:39
Quote from: IAMREALITY on 21/06/2016 21:11:50
Yes, the botanical aspects of the martian are 100% accurate, and he absolutely would've been able to grow those crops.

As far as the diet, yes, he absolutely could survive on the potatoes and rations as well; though after that many days I would expect him to have been a bit thinner.

I am wondering how you came to those conclusions. BTW I haven't seen the film.
Title: Re: How scientifically feasible was The Martian?
Post by: IAMREALITY on 21/06/2016 22:37:05
Quote from: jeffreyH on 21/06/2016 21:57:39
Quote from: IAMREALITY on 21/06/2016 21:11:50
Yes, the botanical aspects of the martian are 100% accurate, and he absolutely would've been able to grow those crops.

As far as the diet, yes, he absolutely could survive on the potatoes and rations as well; though after that many days I would expect him to have been a bit thinner.

I am wondering how you came to those conclusions. BTW I haven't seen the film.

Cause I've just recently researched the exact same question that I had on my own after seeing the film lol.  A lot has been written on it.
Title: Re: How scientifically feasible was The Martian?
Post by: alancalverd on 24/06/2016 00:38:15
The book includes a lot more detail, and it is indeed well researched.

Shortage of micronutrients would be a longterm problem but a few years of eating whole potatoes could guarantee survival.