Em "Lost in Mars", the character of Matt Damon is the first colonist on the planet. After all, he managed to create a suitable environment to plant potatoes and thus survive while awaiting rescue. But how Mars lost its atmosphere 4,2 billion years ago when its magnetic field died, it would be impossible to grow anything there. At least for a while. b4x60
A team of scientists led by the NASA intends to change this situation. They want to create a magnetic field, beyond the planet, in the Lagrange Point L1. In theory, they would create an artificial magnetosphere capable of deflecting solar winds and radiation, conserving what's left of the atmosphere.
The simulations indicate that there is still the possibility of the atmosphere getting so thick that would melt carbon dioxide from ice located at the north pole. As a consequence, would trigger the greenhouse effect, restoring the oceans that once existed there. In other words, Mars would be a much more inviting planet than the one found by Damon in the feature film. would be able to be livable.
The Challenge on Mars 376518
It may seem outlandish, but it's not. Scientists are already doing research to assemble inflatable structures capable of creating a small magnetosphere. The great challenge of this experiment on Mars is the time.
These structures would have a quick effect by reflecting the radiation. However, it is not yet known how long it would take for the atmosphere to thicken and thus increase the temperature of the planet. It could take decades.
Still, it's amazing to think that this mission is actually being considered. If everything goes well, we would be able to preserve and improve the atmosphere of Mars without necessarily directly altering the planet. Matt Damon planting potatoes doesn't even look that impressive anymore, does he?
What do you think of this experiment? Will we, one day, be able to inhabit Mars? Leave your opinion in the comments!
