The most glaring error in The Martian is its portrayal of severe Martian wind storms, which are depicted with vastly exaggerated power compared to the actual conditions on Mars.
The Myth of Mighty Martian Winds
The entire premise of the film hinges on a fierce dust storm that forces the Ares III crew to abort their mission and inadvertently leaves astronaut Mark Watney behind, presumed dead. This dramatic opening sets the stage for Watney's struggle for survival. However, the intensity of these winds is scientifically inaccurate, making it the most significant factual discrepancy.
Why the Wind Storms are an Error
- Low Atmospheric Pressure: Mars has an incredibly thin atmosphere, with an atmospheric pressure roughly 1% that of Earth's. While Martian winds can reach high speeds, the force they exert is dramatically less than what similar speeds would produce on Earth.
- Insufficient Wind Pressure: Due to this low atmospheric pressure, the effective wind pressure generated during even the most powerful Martian dust storms is extremely low. It would be nowhere near sufficient to:
- Tip a Spacecraft: The forces shown to destabilize and damage the MAV (Mars Ascent Vehicle) or other equipment are simply not achievable by Martian winds.
- Carry Large Rocks: The film shows debris, including sizable rocks, being propelled by the wind. In reality, Mars' weak winds cannot lift or carry large objects.
Therefore, the catastrophic wind storm that sets the plot in motion, while visually compelling, is a significant departure from real Martian atmospheric dynamics. It's an artistic liberty taken for dramatic effect that forms the very foundation of the story's conflict.
