Scientists are considering a unique approach to make Mars more habitable by introducing glitter-like particles into the planet’s atmosphere. The idea is to warm up Mars to around 28 degrees Celsius, which could potentially melt ice and create conditions for microbial life to thrive.
Mars has significant water resources, with one-third of its surface covered in water. Scientists believe that streams may have existed on Mars as recently as 600,000 years ago. However, the planet’s current cold temperatures make it uninhabitable. Previous attempts to heat up Mars have been costly and difficult to execute.
Researchers from the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Central Florida propose using engineered particles made from iron and aluminum found on Mars to reflect light and trap heat. This method mimics the greenhouse effect that occurs naturally on Earth. Instead of traditional greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane, the scientists suggest using “conductive nanorods” that are similar in size to commercial glitter.
The benefit of this approach is that the materials needed for the operation are already present on Mars, eliminating the need to transport additional resources. According to planetary scientist Edwin Kite, warming Mars is a crucial first step in making the planet habitable. The study published in Science Advances outlines how the glitter-like particles could be suspended in the atmosphere for an extended period, increasing the efficiency of the warming process.
While the use of glitter particles could significantly reduce the amount of material required to warm Mars, it would still necessitate millions of tons to achieve the desired effect. Despite this, the researchers believe that this method is more feasible compared to previous proposals.
Although the prospect of warming Mars is exciting, it is essential to note that the planet’s thin atmosphere would still pose challenges for human habitation. Astronauts would not be able to breathe on Mars without assistance, indicating that further advancements are needed before humans can walk on the planet’s surface unaided.