Scientists have recreated the distinctive smells of Jupiter, from cat urine to marzipan, for a new exhibition at London’s Natural History Museum. The project, led by space scientist and fragrance designer Marina Barcenilla, aims to bring the olfactory experience of the solar system’s largest planet to Earth.
According to Barcenilla, Jupiter’s atmosphere is layered, with each level carrying a different chemical composition. The top cloud layer, made of ammonia ice, gives off a smell similar to cat urine. Deeper layers emit the stench of rotting eggs due to ammonium sulphide, while phosphorus and organic molecules known as tholins add notes of garlic and petroleum.
Barcenilla, a PhD student at the University of Westminster, combined her expertise in astrobiology and fragrance design to create the scents. She hopes the aromas will help visitors connect with the chemical reality of distant worlds, revealing that space is far from odourless.
The exhibition, titled “Space: Could life exist beyond Earth?”, explores the possibility of extraterrestrial life through sensory experiences. Barcenilla notes that understanding the smells of planets can provide clues about their atmospheric composition and potential habitability.
While the scents may be unpleasant, they offer a unique window into the chemistry of the universe. Visitors can expect to encounter Jupiter’s “stink bomb” qualities firsthand, from the sweet marzipan of its upper clouds to the foul sulphurous depths below.
