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The challenge of cultivating agriculture on Mars
In a distant past, Mars boasted flowing water that shaped its landscape. Once, waves washed against shores, strong winds roared, and rain fell from dense clouds. Four billion years ago, Mars bore similarities to Earth, but it faced a significant challenge—its smaller size. Measuring roughly half the diameter of Earth, this difference would set the stage for its current inhospitable environment.
The rapid cooling of Mars’ core ultimately resulted in the loss of its magnetic field. This depletion left the planet exposed to solar winds that eroded much of its atmosphere. Without the necessary protection from harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun, the ability of Mars to retain heat diminished. As a result, its oceans dwindled, evaporating into the atmosphere, while the remaining water was absorbed into the subsurface, leaving only ice caps at the poles. Any hope of vegetation becoming established on Mars vanished long ago.
However, the idea of terraforming Mars and rekindling life is not completely out of reach. What would be required to nurture plants capable of sustaining future human inhabitants on the Martian surface? Read the full exploration.
—David W. Brown
Finding joy in everyday life
A space to seek comfort, enjoyment, and a pleasant distraction to uplift your spirits. (Have any suggestions? Feel free to reach out or share your thoughts with me.)
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Source
www.technologyreview.com