The idea of transforming Mars into a world more hospitable to human habitation is a regular feature of science fiction. “The key elements of our paper are a novel proposal to use engineered nanoparticles to warm Mars’ atmosphere, and climate modeling that suggests this approach could be much more efficient than previous concepts. NASA has sent robotic rovers to explore the Martian surface and the InSight Lander to study the planet’s interior. The median Martian surface temperature is about minus-85 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-65 degrees Celsius). For example, in the unlikely event that Mars’ soil contains irremediable compounds toxic to all Earth-derived life, then the benefit of warming Mars is nil,” Kite said.

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Persons: ”, Edwin Kite, Lander, Samaneh Ansari, ” Ansari, Mars, ” Kite, “ Organizations: University of Chicago, NASA, Northwestern University, Illinois Locations: U.S