Terraforming Mars is one of the terrific dreams of humankind. If we want to make Mars a 2nd Earth, well have to offer it an artificial one.
Early Mars had a thick, water-rich environment, but it was slowly depleted without the defense of a strong magnetic field.
We cant just recreate Earths magnetic field on Mars. The interior of Mars is smaller sized and cooler, and we cant simply “begin it up” to produce a magnetic eager beaver.
The reason magnetic fields are so essential is that they can protect a planet from solar wind and ionizing particles. Earths magnetic field prevents most high-energy charged particles from reaching the surface area. Rather, they are deflected from Earth, keeping us safe. The magnetic field also helps prevent solar winds from removing Earths atmosphere with time. Early Mars had a thick, water-rich environment, but it was gradually diminished without the defense of a strong magnetic field.
We cant just recreate Earths magnetic field on Mars. Our field is generated by a dynamo effect in Earths core, where the convection of iron alloys generates Earths geomagnetic field. The interior of Mars is smaller sized and cooler, and we cant simply “begin it up” to develop a magnetic eager beaver. There are a couple of methods we can develop an artificial magnetic field, as a current research study programs.
Ideas for producing a Martian magnetic field have been proposed before, and typically include either orbital or ground-based solenoids that produce some basic level of magnetic security. In the TV series * The Expanse *, you can see a number of scenes where you catch a peek of them. While this latest study acknowledges that might work, it proposes an even better solution.
A torus of charged particles could provide Mars an electromagnetic field. Credit: Ruth Bamford
As the research study points out, if you want an excellent planetary electromagnetic field, what you actually need is a strong circulation of charged particles, either within the planet or around the planet. Considering that the previous isnt a terrific choice for Mars, the group looks at the latter. It turns out you can create a ring of charged particles around Mars, thanks to its moon Phobos.
Closely that it makes a trip around Mars every 8 hours. This would develop a magnetic field strong enough to safeguard a terraformed Mars.
Its a strong strategy, and while it seems attainable the engineering obstacles would be substantial. As the authors point out, this is the time for ideas. Start believing about the issues we require to solve, and how we can resolve them, so when mankind does reach Mars, we will be prepared to put the best concepts to the test.
Recommendation: Bamford, R. A., et al. “How to create an artificial magnetosphere for Mars.” Acta Astronautica 190 (2022 ): 323-333.
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Terraforming Mars is one of the excellent dreams of humanity. If we want to make Mars a 2nd Earth, well have to offer it an artificial one.
