As part of the Who Nose project, dedicated to the study of adaptations of the human nose to the Martian climate, Polish designer Marta Flisykowska presented models of three “ideal variants” of the olfactory organ, printed on a 3D printer. As conceived by the author, each of the options has its own advantages and features that will make it easier for its bearer to live on the Red Planet. This work is described in more detail in an article published in the Journal of Science and Technology of the Arts.
In the process of evolution, the human nose changed several times among different peoples, adjusting to the surrounding climate. If a person once colonizes Mars, then over time his body will begin to rebuild, adapting to new environmental conditions. The author of the models took these conditions into account when developing models of "Martian" noses, which, in her opinion, would be most suitable for life on the Red Planet. So, they took into account the low temperatures on the surface of Mars (the average temperature is - 63 degrees Celsius), the thin atmosphere, in comparison with the Earth's, which allows more sunlight to pass through, as well as the low pressure, due to which sound travels much shorter distances than on our planet.
The first version of the adapted Martian nose has two pairs of nostrils for more efficient air warming.
The peculiarity of the second version, equipped with a skirt, will allow the sound of a human voice to resonate and spread over a long distance.
The third option, flat, will be most optimally protected from the influence of the sun.
The author believes that the noses of people who will live on Mars will not necessarily change and adapt in this way. And if they do, then for a very long time, since the conditions of the planet imply the use of helmets, microphones for communication and rooms isolated from the effects of the Martian atmosphere.
In any case, breathing the atmosphere of Mars will not work even with such unusual noses. For such an opportunity, the planet will first have to be terraformed, restoring its atmosphere, enriching it with oxygen and making its climate more favorable for life. Thus, the project of the Polish designer can be used only as an illustration of possible evolutionary changes in the human face with the successful colonization of the Red Planet.
Nikolay Khizhnyak
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