Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Scientists have proposed a method to increase the temperature on Mars by more than 18 degrees Fahrenheit, potentially making the planet habitable for humans. This concept aligns with earlier ambitions, such as those expressed by Elon Musk, to colonize Mars by 2050.
The proposal involves injecting large quantities of Martian dust into the planet's atmosphere to improve its heat retention, similar to how carbon dioxide and water vapor trap heat on Earth. This process aims to raise Mars' temperature significantly over a few months.
The scientists plan to inject approximately 10 litres of dust filled with iron and aluminium into the Martian atmosphere every second for nearly a decade. The goal is to increase Mars' temperature from its current average of -85°F to 86°F.
Elon Musk has previously suggested using Mars' natural resources to terraform the planet, making it warmer and wetter. The new scientific proposal aligns with this vision, offering a novel approach to altering the Martian environment.
Colin McInnes, a space engineer at the University of Glasgow, highlighted the novelty of this idea, emphasizing that it represents a fresh approach to terraforming Mars. The proposal suggests that the gap between Mars' current state and habitability might be narrower than previously thought.
The researchers’ approach is based on mechanisms similar to those driving climate change on Earth. By enhancing Mars' ability to trap heat, they hope to create a more hospitable environment for future human settlers.
The plan involves creating nine-micrometre-long rods from iron and aluminium, which are about twice the size of natural Martian dust particles. These engineered particles are designed to absorb and reflect heat more effectively.
The experiment requires the production of nearly two million tonnes of particles annually. However, the researchers believe that manufacturing these particles on Mars would be feasible, as the necessary materials are already present on the planet.