beecee Posted November 22, 2021 Share Posted November 22, 2021 https://phys.org/news/2021-11-absolutely-bonkers-mars-artificial-magnetosphere.html Terraforming Mars is one of the great dreams of humanity. Mars has a lot going for it. Its day is about the same length as Earth's, it has plenty of frozen water just under its surface, and it likely could be given a reasonably breathable atmosphere in time. But one of the things it lacks is a strong magnetic field. So if we want to make Mars a second Earth, we'll have to give it an artificial one. The reason magnetic fields are so important is that they shield a planet from solar wind and ionizing particles. Earth's magnetic field prevents most high-energy charged particles from reaching the surface. Instead, they are deflected from Earth, keeping us safe. The magnetic field also prevents solar winds from stripping Earth's atmosphere over time. Early Mars had a thick, water-rich atmosphere, but it was gradually depleted without the protection of a strong magnetic field. Unfortunately, we can't just recreate Earth's magnetic field on Mars. Our field is generated by a dynamo effect in Earth's core, where the convection of iron alloys generates Earth's geomagnetic field. The interior of Mars is smaller and cooler, and we can't simply "start it up" to create a magnetic dynamo. But there are a few ways we can create an artificial magnetic field, as a recent study shows. Ideas for generating a Martian magnetic field have been proposed before, and usually involve either ground-based or orbital solenoids that create some basic level of magnetic protection. In the TV series "The Expanse," you can see a couple of scenes where you catch a glimpse of them. While this latest study acknowledges that might work, it proposes an even better solution. more at link............ the paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0094576521005099?via%3Dihub How to create an artificial magnetosphere for Mars: Abstract: 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. The Earth's magnetosphere helps protect the planet from the potential sterilizing effects of cosmic rays and also helps retain the atmosphere, which would otherwise by stripped by large solar storms as they pass over the planet. Mars does have small patches of remnant surface magnetic field, but these are localized in the southern hemisphere and are not of sufficient size or magnitude to protect the planet or a colony. 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 a fashion similar to that which forms the Jupiter-Io 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistermack Posted November 23, 2021 Share Posted November 23, 2021 22 hours ago, beecee said: So if we want to make Mars a second Earth I don't think that Mars could ever be a second Earth. The gravity is just too low, and who is going to risk having their children in circumstances where they would probably not develop normally? But Mars could most definitely be a colony of temporary residents, or a desireable retirement destination. And a source of raw materials for use in space, or even manufactured equipment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beecee Posted November 23, 2021 Author Share Posted November 23, 2021 18 minutes ago, mistermack said: I don't think that Mars could ever be a second Earth. The gravity is just too low, and who is going to risk having their children in circumstances where they would probably not develop normally? But Mars could most definitely be a colony of temporary residents, or a desireable retirement destination. And a source of raw materials for use in space, or even manufactured equipment. Some good points made, but really, who is to truely know. Low gravity is certainly a medical consideration as our residents in the ISS have shown after lengthy stays. The other point is if one was born on Mars, in some distant time when it maybe a second Earth, would that child then develop along the lines and dictates of the Martian gravity and be perfectly healthy? Perhaps any ill effects or anomalies would only be obvious on a ny return to Mother Earth? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistermack Posted November 23, 2021 Share Posted November 23, 2021 (edited) 12 minutes ago, beecee said: The other point is if one was born on Mars, in some distant time when it maybe a second Earth, would that child then develop along the lines and dictates of the Martian gravity and be perfectly healthy? Perhaps any ill effects or anomalies would only be obvious on a ny return to Mother Earth? It's possible, but I think it's highly unlikely. The chances of our incredibly complicated growth and development processes being able to adapt to such a change in an acceptable manner I would guess at one in a thousand or lower. That's not an informed guess, nobody really knows, but the way that things go wrong so easily, and right so rarely, makes me guess in that sort of range. Mind you, I wouldn't be surprised if China sent a pregnant chimp up to their station, to see what happens. They would probably keep it secret though. I'm surprised that we haven't done it with rats already. Maybe we have. Edited November 23, 2021 by mistermack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts