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Mars, the red planet, sits beside Earth. Commonly referred to as a twin planet, and also a prime target for colonization, the red planet is brimming with potential for the future. But why Mars instead of the other planets in the solar system?
Mars, the red planet, sits beside Earth. Commonly referred to as a twin planet, and also a prime target for colonization, the red planet is brimming with potential for the future. But why Mars instead of the other planets in the solar system?
Mars has a similar day/night cycle to that of Earth’s, taking approximately 24 hours, 39 minutes and 25 seconds to complete one revolution around its axis. Although this sounds off of Earth’s, it is the closest we have in our solar system. Mars is also just inside of the habitable zone, though it’s on the far edge. Last but certainly not least, there are traces of liquid water on Mars. It’s what has been speculated to form part of the terrain on Mars, which is also very similar to Earth’s. All of these similarities make it seem like a perfect planet to be colonized.
Mars has a similar day/night cycle to that of Earth’s, taking approximately 24 hours, 39 minutes and 25 seconds to complete one revolution around its axis. Although this sounds off of Earth’s, it is the closest we have in our solar system. Mars is also just inside of the habitable zone, though it’s on the far edge. Last but certainly not least, there are traces of liquid water on Mars. It’s what has been speculated to form part of the terrain on Mars, which is also very similar to Earth’s. All of these similarities make it seem like a perfect planet to be colonized.
Why not other planets? While Mars is very similar to Earth, that isn’t the only reason it’s the most sought after planet to colonize. The only other planets in the solar system that could possibly be colonized are Mercury or Venus because all of the outer planets are far too cold along with being mostly made of gas. Mercury’s largest issues consist of the fact that it’s the closest planet to the sun, making it extremely hot on the surface and that there’s nearly no atmosphere. Mercury is also a very dead planet, like a big rock orbiting the sun. Venus has the issue of having too thick of an atmosphere, which causes an extreme greenhouse effect. The planet’s surface temperature rises, making it very hard to have a good climate. In addition, acid rain is a common occurrence on Venus, which isn’t the best thing to have on your future landscape. Mars has none of these issues, which is why when many people think of a planet to colonize, they think of Mars.
Why not other planets? While Mars is very similar to Earth, that isn’t the only reason it’s the most sought after planet to colonize. The only other planets in the solar system that could possibly be colonized are Mercury or Venus because all of the outer planets are far too cold along with being mostly made of gas. Mercury’s largest issues consist of the fact that it’s the closest planet to the sun, making it extremely hot on the surface and that there’s nearly no atmosphere. Mercury is also a very dead planet, like a big rock orbiting the sun. Venus has the issue of having too thick of an atmosphere, which causes an extreme greenhouse effect. The planet’s surface temperature rises, making it very hard to have a good climate. In addition, acid rain is a common occurrence on Venus, which isn’t the best thing to have on your future landscape. Mars has none of these issues, which is why when many people think of a planet to colonize, they think of Mars.
We’ve already started exploring Mars during many different missions, and with the data retrieved, some organizations have planned missions to colonize Mars. Dutch Entrepreneurs have started a campaign for a crowdfunded Mars One mission. Their goal, in short, is to create a habitable zone on Mars via unmanned missions before sending a group of Astronauts there long term to help develop the planet. Since launch of the mission, Mars One has raised approximately $1 million USD, mostly through donations, merchandise, applications, sponsorships, partnerships and other related methods. This mission is still in early developmental stages though, and still requires much more funding to get the mission to start. Even though missions such as this one are far from being put into action, eventually they will start forging the future of interplanetary commuting and living.
We’ve already started exploring Mars during many different missions, and with the data retrieved, some organizations have planned missions to colonize Mars. Dutch Entrepreneurs have started a campaign for a crowdfunded Mars One mission. Their goal, in short, is to create a habitable zone on Mars via unmanned missions before sending a group of Astronauts there long term to help develop the planet. Since launch of the mission, Mars One has raised approximately $1 million USD, mostly through donations, merchandise, applications, sponsorships, partnerships and other related methods. This mission is still in early developmental stages though, and still requires much more funding to get the mission to start. Even though missions such as this one are far from being put into action, eventually they will start forging the future of interplanetary commuting and living.
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Sources:
"Current Status - About Mars One." Mars One. Mars One, n.d. Web. 15 Mar. 2017. <http://www.mars-one.com/about-mars-one/current-mission-status>.
Williams, Matt. "How Do We Colonize Mars?" Universe Today: Space and Astronomy News. Universe Today, 21 Nov. 2016. Web. 15 Mar. 2017. <http://www.universetoday.com/14883/mars-colonizing/>.
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