New Mars Forums

So theoretically, if Mars were to suddenly gain an Earth-like atmosphere, then what would the impact be on the surface lighting conditions? How much light would be making it to the surface? Would noontime at the surface have the same low level of light as dusk on Earth?

It would be neat to have a little web-based Mars terraformation simulator. It would show one of these Curiosity Rover panorama scenes, and as you adjusted various physical parameters thru web-controls, the scene would change accordingly. I think that would be a cool thing to get people more interested in Mars.

Could we smack a suitable asteroid into Mars in just the right way, in order to speed up terraformation?

I was thinking of a metal impactor like the one which hit Earth -- but of appropriately tuned size -- in the hopes of jump-starting Mars' core to give it a stronger magnetosphere.

The resulting volcanic ash and gas which would be thrown up into the atmosphere could also boost atmospheric pressure. The increased heat flux would also help with core dynamics for boosting the magnetosphere. The Martian albedo would also decrease to improve solar radiation absorption. The overall surface temperature would rise, with less severe temperature swings due to buffering by the thicker atmosphere.

Sure, there would be massive disruption of the crust, but some parts would stabilize more quickly than others.

We would quickly start seeding the atmosphere with bacteria, in order to take advantage of the improved temperature and pressure conditions near the surface. With the surface experiencing greater turbulence and turmoil, it would help any proliferating bacteria to spread faster.

What do you think?

How can we find caves on Mars? What remote sensing technologies should we use to do this?

The earliest human ancestors didn't start out building their own hovels with thatched roofs. They lived in caves, making use of existing natural features for safe dwelling. Logically, during the early period of Mars settlement, such natural features could be very invaluable, and save on effort in building or bringing in your own shelter.

What would be the ideal types of caves that would be most useful for our needs? What kinds of features should we look for to identify such ideal caves?

Once we identify the best possible caves to make use of, then what would we need to do to convert these natural formations into robust living accommodations, in the most efficient way with the least effort and quickest turnaround?

What would we have to bring with us from Earth in order to accomplish this?

Someone has combined real data with some artistic license to create images of what Mars might have looked like in its ancient past - or what it could look like in the future if terraformed:

http://www.universetoday.com/99248/new- … ving-mars/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtHgj8Z-F_Y

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR3TtZKhrGk

Hi everyone,

I have a question - what's the smallest unmanned entry vehicle possible for descent from Martian orbit to the surface using an aeroshield and parachute?
What kind of mass and dimensions would be feasible for a minimal payload?
Do you think 10cm wide is too small? How about 5cm wide?
5 kg? 2 kg?

What's the smallest you can go, before weird problems of slipstream turbulence and cross-winds cause too much difficulty in targeting a landing zone?
The landing zone I was thinking of was a fairly large one - the Hellas Basin - and so I'd imagine it wouldn't be too hard to hit from a polar orbit.

The payload merely has to be able to measure ambient atmospheric pressure and water humidity on the surface in Hellas Basin.

Any useful feedback is appreciated.