How would you terraform Mars?
Here are three terraforming methods that have been proposed: Large orbital mirrors that will reflect sunlight and heat the Mars surface. Greenhouse gas-producing factories to trap solar radiation. Smashing ammonia-heavy asteroids into the planet to raise the greenhouse gas level.
Can we create an artificial magnetic field for Mars?
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.
How would it be possible to terraform Mars?
Terraforming Mars would entail three major interlaced changes: building up the magnetosphere, building up the atmosphere, and raising the temperature. The atmosphere of Mars is relatively thin and has a very low surface pressure. Because its atmosphere consists mainly of CO
What would happen if Mars had a magnetic field?
At this temperature, Mars could not hold on to water in its atmosphere, and nitrogen and oxygen would be very close to the limit. If we don’t care about the atmosphere being like Earth’s, then a magnetic field would definitely help protect a warmer CO2 atmosphere from solar wind, but this would be a drastically different atmosphere than Earth’s.
Why doesn’t Mars have an atmosphere like Earth?
Mars has now a thin atmosphere because of the magnetic field, and because of its mass (1/10 the Earth one). The gravity of the planet depends on its mass, and it is the gravity which keeps the atmosphere there. Therefore, if you want to have an earth-like atmosphere, you should have the magnetic field of the Earth, and its gravity.
How can we create a Martian atmosphere?
Fortunately, both protecting and creating a Martian atmosphere can be achieved by parking one giant powerful space station at the Lagrange 1 point which would broadcast a magnetic field which would protect the Martian atmosphere.