To add comments or start new threads please go to the full version of: Martian Space Mirrors
PhysOrgForum Science, Physics and Technology Discussion Forums > News discussions > Space & Earth Sciences News

Futuretalk
Great way to terraform red planet, NASA says,

http://space.newscientist.com/article/dn10...en-on-mars.html
kaneda
The basic idea is good but imagine how many mirrors it would need to heat up a planet, and how would you keep them in a stable position, pointed in a set direction?

It's easier to blast a hole in the side of a cliff and seal it in. With a little insulation it would need little heating.
Futuretalk
QUOTE (kaneda+Nov 18 2006, 10:40 AM)
The basic idea is good but imagine how many mirrors it would need to heat up a planet, and how would you keep them in a stable position, pointed in a set direction?

It's easier to blast a hole in the side of a cliff and seal it in. With a little insulation it would need little heating.

I would guess that nanotechnology could easily create an adequate supply of mirrors, and possibly they would not all need to reflect solar rays all the time, to provide correct levels of terraforming benefits.
PhysOrg scientific forums are totally dedicated to science, physics, and technology. Besides topical forums such as nanotechnology, quantum physics, silicon and III-V technology, applied physics, materials, space and others, you can also join our news and publications discussions. We also provide an off-topic forum category. If you need specific help on a scientific problem or have a question related to physics or technology, visit the PhysOrg Forums. Here you’ll find experts from various fields online every day.
To quit out of "lo-fi" mode and return to the regular forums, please click here.