Scientists Suggest Spraying ‘Glitter’ into Mars’ Atmosphere to Improve Habitability | Latest Scientific Advances in Technology

August 9, 2024 TruthUSA

Scientists are exploring the idea of warming up Mars by introducing glitter into its atmosphere.

Raising the temperature of the red planet to around 28C could potentially create a more hospitable environment for humans by melting ice and enabling microbial life to thrive.

Approximately one-third of Mars’ surface consists of water, with evidence suggesting that streams may have existed on the planet as recently as 600,000 years ago. However, the current climate on Mars is too cold for habitation.

Researchers from the University of Chicago, Northwestern University in Illinois, and the University of Central Florida propose the use of engineered particles made from iron and aluminum found on Mars to reflect light and trap heat. This method mirrors the Earth’s greenhouse effect, utilizing materials already present on the planet.

Instead of greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane, the scientists suggest using “conductive nanorods” that are comparable to commercial glitter in size. This approach eliminates the need to transport materials from Earth, making the process more practical.

According to Edwin Kite, a planetary scientist from the University of Chicago involved in the study published in Science Advances, warming Mars is an essential first step in making the planet habitable. Previous concepts focused on releasing greenhouse gases, which demanded vast resources that are scarce on Mars.

The proposed “Mars glitter” particles would remain suspended in the atmosphere for an extended period, aiding in the retention of heat. While still requiring a substantial amount of particles, the glitter method would be significantly more efficient than previous warming proposals, increasing the project’s feasibility.

Despite these advancements, astronauts won’t be able to breathe on Mars due to the thin atmosphere, meaning it will be a considerable time before humans can freely explore the planet’s surface.