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"Is Humanity BOMBING MARS with NUCLEAR BOMBS!?!"

Sophia Xu
Updated: March. 18, 2024

Introduction

We humans are using a lot of resources. If everybody on Earth is going to live as good as the life of the average citizen of a rich European country then we would need about 4 earths in total! Spoiler alert: We only got one! 

That's why some people want to add one: Mars. Buuuut sad news. The Martian atmosphere isn't exactly "pleasant" for life. That is why we are either gonna live indoors and terraform Mars. Or we are going to live outside and do some more terraforming. 

Spoiler alert 2: Nuclear Bombs are a good choice. ( maybe )

The Challenges of Mars

Before we dive into potential solutions, let’s acknowledge the formidable challenges Mars presents:

1. Thin Atmosphere: Mars has a thin atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide (CO₂). It lacks the protective shield that Earth’s atmosphere provides against harmful solar radiation. Bad news

2. Cold Temperatures: Mars is frigid, with average temperatures hovering around -80°C (-112°F). It's not exactly ideal for a beach vacation!

3. Lack of Liquid Water: Although Mars has ice caps at its poles, liquid water is scarce on its surface. We humans are basically 70% water so this is not looking good.

Elon Musk’s Explosive Idea

Elon Musk, the visionary behind SpaceX, has never shied away from bold (or potentially destructive)  ideas. One of his proposals involves detonating nuclear bombs over Mars’ polar ice caps. Here’s how it works:

1. Nuclear Bombs: By strategically detonating nuclear bombs over the ice caps, we could vaporize a significant portion of the frozen water. Water vapor is a potent greenhouse gas, capable of trapping heat. Yay!

2. Greenhouse Effect: The increased water vapor and released carbon dioxide would create a greenhouse effect, raising Mars’ average temperature. Over time, this could melt more ice and release additional water vapor, perpetuating the warming process. 

3. Thicker Atmosphere: A thicker atmosphere would provide better insulation against radiation and help retain heat.

Jim Green’s Magnetic Shield

Jim Green, NASA’s (A famous nonprofit space company) chief scientist, offers an alternative approach. His idea involves placing a giant magnetic shield between Mars and the sun. Here’s the concept:

1. Magnetic Shield: The shield would protect Mars from the solar wind, preventing the sun from stripping away its atmosphere.

2. Atmospheric Retention: With a stable atmosphere, Mars could retain heat, gradually raising surface temperatures.

3. Long-Term Process: Both Musk’s nuclear bombs and Green’s magnetic shield require patience. Terraforming Mars is a multi-century endeavor.

Ethical Considerations

Terraforming raises ethical questions. Do we have the right to alter another world, especially one that might harbor its own unique life forms? Should we prioritize preservation over transformation?

There is not a "correct" answer to a question like this. Here is another, is a human life worth more than an animal life? The first alive animal sent to space was a dog. Unsurprisingly he died later.

When humans research for newer medicine. They often test it first on animals such as rats. If you could save a human by killing another rat would you do it? If yes, how many animals lives are a human worth? Should we have a limitation? All ethical questions. Read this blog post to find out about this How much is a animal life worth when we develop medicins? (sophiasstarlog.blogspot.com)

Conclusion

Whether through nuclear explosions or magnetic shields, the dream of a habitable Mars remains tantalizing. As we continue our exploration of the cosmos, let’s balance ambition with responsibility. Perhaps one day, humans will walk on Martian soil, gazing up at a blue sky and wondering how far we’ve come.

What do you think? Would you nuke Mars or shield it magnetically? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

But wait, there might be a better candidate for humanity's second planet. The hot red planet is called VENUS! We might even be able to transform Venus entirely into a new Earth! Read this blog post to find out! Venus Is BETTER Than MARS for LIVING!?! (sophiasstarlog.blogspot.com)