Contents
Earthlings mastered space several decades ago and with the development of technology began to look towards the development of neighboring planets. We figure out whether this is possible and on which one it will be most comfortable to live
Terraforming is a theory about the hypothetical possibility of changing climatic conditions on cosmic bodies: satellites, asteroids, stars. But first of all, we are talking, of course, about the planets. It is assumed that it is possible to make the climate, atmosphere and ecological conditions suitable for a comfortable life for humans, terrestrial animals and plants. Thus, terraforming will allow earthlings to actively populate space.
Where did the idea come from
The idea of the possibility of terraforming, like many innovative ideas, came from the world of fantasy. In 1942, American science fiction writer Jack Williamson published the science fiction novel Collision Orbit. The protagonist of the book, a young engineer, terraformed an asteroid and made it habitable. He cut a shaft to the center of the space object and installed a paragravity plant, was able to generate oxygen and water from mineral oxides, and installed an apparatus that enhanced the faint heat of a distant sun.
Jack Williamson was the first to formulate the concept of terraforming and give the term its name. However, some researchers of the theory are inclined to believe that he was still not the original author of this idea, and that thoughts about terraforming were already circulating in society before, they simply did not occur in records and documents.
How should it work
Based on existing inventions and technologies that are currently under development, it can be assumed that terraforming will be carried out using equipment that will be brought from Earth. The ideal and yet unattainable goal is to find materials for terraforming on the planets themselves, so that there is no need to constantly deliver something, and space objects can provide for themselves. Or bring microbes to the planets that can build a self-renewable ecosystem. What kind of microbes they will be is still unknown.
There are ongoing discussions about terraforming. Some scientists believe that even now we should look in the direction of this direction and open laboratories where they will create and explore possible options for the exploration of space bodies. Others are sure that at the moment we do not even have exemplary technologies that will help us in this process. It is worth waiting for even greater development of science and society, and only after that start development.
Despite the fact that the idea of terraforming is still only hypothetical, political scientists are already entering into an argument. In particular, they ask the question of government: who will rule the new planets? Will they belong to the countries of the Earth or will they have their own power and their own rulers? How will territories be divided and what forms of government will there be? And is it worth investing in space exploration large sums from the state budget, if the modern population of the Earth is unlikely to be able to benefit from the fruits of such investments?
Which planets are suitable for terraforming
In Jack Williamson’s story, the protagonist explored an asteroid. In reality, this is almost impossible. Scientists agree that the planet should initially have properties similar to those of the earth. For example, it is impossible to terraform Jupiter – the gas giants are not adapted to this. In addition, the planet has an increased level of radiation that is incompatible with human life.
Ideally, the planet should initially be habitable. This is not about the conditional “little green men” from the films, but about the presence of live bacteria. It will be easy to terraform a planet that differs from Earth mainly in temperature. It can be cooled by spraying small particles like “nuclear winter”. Or, conversely, warm up, activating greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
There are several criteria required to terraform a planet:
- The presence of water. in liquid or frozen form;
- No radiation. As a necessary condition for life;
- The presence of gravity. The planet must be able to hold an atmosphere with a gaseous composition and humidity;
- A magnetic field. So that hydrogen does not leave the planet;
- The presence of stellar heat and light. A certain minimum is needed to warm up the planet’s atmosphere and surface;
- Surface. It is impossible to equip a gas planet;
- No asteroids. Frequent collisions with asteroids can destroy life on the planet.
Terraforming Mars
Mars is currently the prime candidate for terraforming. The initial conditions of the planet fit most of the criteria, and scientists are already beginning to think about what life will look like on it. Living organisms on Mars have not yet been discovered, but according to the information that was obtained through surface studies, it is clear that the planet is favorable for the origin and maintenance of life.
There are extreme temperature fluctuations on the planet – from extremely cold to extremely hot, but in theory, the development of technology can influence this and establish comfortable weather. Elon Musk proposes using a thermonuclear strike to create two “tiny suns” that will heat up carbon dioxide and, thanks to the greenhouse effect, will keep Mars comfortably warm.
The main problem with terraforming Mars is that there is no magnetic field on the planet. According to a scientific article on Science Advances, in the first 700 years of the existence of the “red planet” it had a powerful magnetic field and was probably very similar to Earth. But about 3,6 billion years ago, the planet turned into a lifeless desert. Whether this can be changed is still unknown. Scientists propose to wait for the first manned flights to Mars, and only after a thorough study, start a debate about development.
Terraforming Venus
Venus seems to be another planet attractive for terraforming. Its surface is only 5% smaller than the surface of the Earth. This is the closest planet to us: you can fly to it in just four months. For comparison, a flight to Mars will take about twice as long. And, importantly, Venus is close to the Sun and is not deprived of heat and light. Its average temperature is 467°C and, in theory, it can be lowered to a comfortable level. Scientists propose to put around the planet special reflectors of the sun like walls. They will help cool the surface and at the same time reduce the pressure.
Despite all the attractiveness of the planet, there are a number of problems that probably cannot be fixed. There is practically no water on Venus – it will have to be imported artificially, which will greatly complicate the settlement. Hurricanes rage on the planet, volcanoes often erupt and acid rains fall. In addition, Venus, like Mars, has no magnetic field. If you invest in the conquest of the planet a huge amount of resources, time and labor, then, theoretically, its terraforming is possible. But the process will take much more effort than the exploration of Mars and is not considered as promising.