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Terraforming [sort of]: why the Moon is a better target than Mars
bigthink.com ^
Posted on 10/27/2021 10:51:03 AM PDT by BenLurkin
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To: nascarnation
I had one volunteer up one year.
The stem was as big around as my leg!..............
41
posted on
10/27/2021 12:34:14 PM PDT
by
Red Badger
(Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegal aliens are put up in hotels.....................)
To: BenLurkin
There are a number of reasons for using caves and lava tubes. Protection from solar radiation and micro meteorites. The “structure” is already built and we could thus have more space much more quickly and cheaply than building on the surface.
42
posted on
10/27/2021 12:48:40 PM PDT
by
FLT-bird
To: BenLurkin
The moon’s gravity is insufficient to hold and retain an atmosphere, which is why it is NOT a candidate for terraforming.
Who wrote that article?
Mars, itself is somewhat insufficient to hold and retain an atmosphere. It would be a challenge. However, it is thought to be doable.
To: Red Badger
The Moon is a Harsh Mistress is one of my favorite books. Now, they could create an independent enclosed environment, but that is not terraforming. Domes, underground bases, etc. could provide habitats for man. I’d love to see it.
To: Whatever Works
There is a newer version out that is the original manuscript Heinlein wrote. The published version was shorter because of editors...................
45
posted on
10/27/2021 12:57:07 PM PDT
by
Red Badger
(Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegal aliens are put up in hotels.....................)
To: Whatever Works
Oops, that was Stranger in a Strange Land................
46
posted on
10/27/2021 12:59:09 PM PDT
by
Red Badger
(Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegal aliens are put up in hotels.....................)
To: Whatever Works
47
posted on
10/27/2021 1:00:27 PM PDT
by
Red Badger
(Homeless veterans camp in the streets while illegal aliens are put up in hotels.....................)
To: Whatever Works
Mars, itself is somewhat insufficient to hold and retain an atmosphere. It would be a challenge. However, it is thought to be doable.
~~~
If I remember right (what I've read in the past) Mars has enough mass to hold down an atmosphere with significant pressure, but it doesn't have the strong electromagnetic protection that the earth does and the solar wind from the sun gets through and strips Mars of any 'air'
48
posted on
10/27/2021 1:02:38 PM PDT
by
z3n
(“If the populace knew with what idiocy they were ruled, they would revolt.” -Charlemagne)
To: z3n
Yes, as I recall, it would constantly be “losing” atmosphere and so would need constant “topping off”....which makes it “doable” but not perfect.
To: BenLurkin
Make sure you put the solar panels on the sunny side of the moon
50
posted on
10/27/2021 1:56:01 PM PDT
by
shotgun
To: shotgun
The Moon has the added challenge of regolith. It’s extremely abrasive, and behaves a lot like volcanic ash, which is essentially powdered glass. It gets into everything, sticks to everything because it’s charged, and damages everything.
Since there’s actual weathering Mars, the dust is likely to be significantly more manageable, and wont’ be a death sentence to inhale.
51
posted on
10/27/2021 2:53:20 PM PDT
by
Heavyrunner
(Socialize this.)
To: Windcatcher
With the right government program we can put a stop to that.
52
posted on
10/27/2021 2:56:18 PM PDT
by
Hardastarboard
(Don't wish your enemy ill; plan it. )
To: shotgun
53
posted on
10/27/2021 4:08:18 PM PDT
by
BenLurkin
(The above is not a statement of fact. It is either opinion, or satire. Or both.)
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