Saturday, November 18, 2006

Space mirrors could create Earth-like haven on Mars

Scientists and science-fiction authors have long dreamed of turning Mars into a more Earth-like planet for future human colonists. The process, called terraforming, involves thickening Mars's atmosphere and increasing its temperature. But schemes to transform the entire planet would take centuries and would require enormous resources.

Now, Rigel Woida, an engineering student at the University of Arizona in Tucson, US, is investigating the possibility of "terraforming" just a small patch of the planet's surface by focusing sunlight on it from orbiting mirrors.


I wish I'd thought of that.

2 comments:

Mac said...

Steve--

Well, they have cool mastheads!

rereformed said...

Nukes will do the job quicker and more efficiently!