Terraforming Mars & Venus

[EnolaGaia]

Here are the bibliographic details and abstract for the published research paper. The full research report (PDF) can be accessed at the link below.

---

How to create an artificial magnetosphere for Mars
Ruth A. Bamford, Barry J. Kellett, James L. Green, Chuanfei Dong, Vladimir Airapetian, Bob Bingham
Acta Astronautica, Volume 190, January 2022, Pages 323-333
DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2021.09.023
Cite as: arXiv:2111.06887 [physics.space-ph]

If humanity is ever to consider substantial, long-term colonization of Mars, the resources needed are going to be extensive. For a long-term human presence on Mars to be established, serious thought would need to be given to terraforming the planet. One major requirement for such terraforming is having the protection of a planetary magnetic field which Mars currently does not have. In this article we explore comprehensively for the first time, the practical and engineering challenges that affect the feasibility of creating an artificial magnetic field capable of encompassing Mars. This includes the concerns that define the design, where to locate the magnetic field generator and possible construction strategies. The rationale here is not to justify the need for a planetary magnetosphere but to put figures on the practicalities so as to be able to weigh the pros and cons of the different engineering approaches.

The optimum solution proposed is completely novel, although inspired by natural situations and fusion plasma techniques. The solution with the lowest power, assembly and mass is to create an artificial charged particle ring (similar in form to a "radiation belt"), around the planet possibly formed by ejecting matter from one of the moons of Mars (in fashion similar to that that forms the Io-Jupiter plasma torus), but using electromagnetic and plasma waves to drive a net current in the ring(s) that results in an overall magnetic field.

With a new era of space exploration underway, this is the time to start thinking about these new and bold future concepts and to begin filling strategic knowledge gaps. Furthermore, the principles explored here are also applicable to smaller scale objects like manned spacecraft, space stations or moon bases, which would benefit from the creation of protective mini-magnetospheres.

SOURCE: https://arxiv.org/abs/2111.06887

 

[eburacum]

My plan for creating an artificial magnetic field for Mars was published on the SF site Orion's Arm in 2004.

https://www.orionsarm.com/eg-article/4851d85e0791b

---------------------------
Since that time new calculations have shown that a magnetic field would be largely redundant;
https://crowlspace.com/?p=3149&fbclid=IwAR1dMjqB0nDEmfA7I5TaZkQAxe1IXUQD7fM0MZwH-iPeHDeDxqXxUXDXTuA

Collectively several metres of water and perhaps 80 millibars of carbon dioxide would be lost over 4.2 billion years – at current rates of loss. As the bare minimum for terraforming is about ~300 millibars of carbon dioxide (equivalent to about 250 millibars of Oxygen) this doesn’t seem like a show stopper for terraforming. If we can supply modern day Mars with ~300 millibars in a few hundred years, then replacing 80 millibars in 4 billion doesn’t seem excessive.

It may be useful to establish small, localised magnetic fields to protect habitats on Mars' surface in the short term, but if we ever get round to terraforming the planet, the atmosphere itself will be sufficiently stable and protective to allow habitation by itself. But that is a very long-term and expensive project- not something Elon Musk will ever achieve.

 

[eburacum]

Concerning the use of carbon dioxide as a terraforming gas; this is useful because it helps warm the planet because of its greenhouse effect, but it would also be toxic. Anything over 100 millibars would kill humans in hours or days.

So an alternative artificial greenhouse gas might be used - something like chlorofluorocarbon compounds, which are not toxic per se. They do, however, break down quickly, and would need to be constantly replaced over time - requiring vast manufacturing processes which may produce pollution themselves.

Another option would be genetic engineering, creating humans who can tolerate higher levels of carbon dioxide- this would lead to evolutionary divergence between humans from Mars and humans on Earth. Otherwise everyone would need to live under insulated domes on the surface of this planet, or underground- which may not seem appealing to some.

 

[maximus otter]

Air on Mars may one day be breathable thanks to new ‘desert-dwelling bacteria paint’


A new paint which contains “oxygen-producing bacteria” could make the currently unlivable planet a place for humanity to thrive.

Scientists at the University of Surrey created the “biocoating” paint to be used in the most extreme of environments – including space.

Officially named “green living paint”, the bacteria inside the paint can produce oxygen and capture carbon dioxide, just like a real plant.

The bacteria require very little water to survive, making it the perfect option for the harsh Martian atsmophere.

Lead author and former researcher in the Department of Microbial Scientists at Surrey Simone Krings said the invention could help with humans hoping to move to Mars.

She said: “The photosynthetic Chroococcidiopsis have an extraordinary ability to survive in extreme environments, like droughts and after high levels of UV radiation exposure.

“This makes them potential candidates for Mars colonisation.”

It thrives in deserts, just like Mars has – making it a perfect option to clean up the currently un-breathable Martian air.

Scientists found that their green living paint released .4 grams of oxygen per gram of biomass per day, and captured excess carbon dioxide.

https://www.the-sun.com/tech/9393067/

maximus otter