Is human life on Mars possible? Astronomy group explains how

Last time we looked at the items of science fiction that had become reality such as communicators and flat screen displays. This time we are going to consider if the dream of living on Mars could also become reality.

Exploring whether Mars is habitable for humans bridges the gap between the dreams of science fiction and the reality of space exploration.  

As we reach further into the cosmos, the question of establishing a human presence on Mars becomes not just a possibility, but a pivotal challenge for future generations.

The importance of this inquiry lies not only in advancing human exploration but also in understanding the limits and capabilities of human adaptability.  

Key elements such as water, gravity, atmosphere, oxygen, and temperature on Mars are at the forefront of determining the feasibility of human life on 'the Red Planet'.

The first thing to do is to consider what are the needs of humans to be able to occupy another world.  In no particular order we would need to:

• Eat
• Drink
• Breath
• Move
• Sustain ourselves independently
• Protect ourselves

In order to be able to keep ourselves alive food and water are essential. It would be unrealistic to expect to be supplied from Earth for any sustained amount of time, hence the ability to produce food on the planet would be essential. Of course, to do that we would need water so is there any on Mars?

Research has identified that Mars possesses vast deposits of water ice at its poles, and there may still be liquid water flowing on the planet today. This is evidenced by the detection of hydrated minerals and subsurface lakes, indicating that water plays a vital role in the formation of certain surface features. The presence of water, essential for life as we know it, marks a significant factor supporting the habitability of Mars.

OK, one problem sorted. What about being able to grow anything?

The Martian soil, particularly the basaltic surface, contains macro and minor elements crucial for life. Despite its low nutrient bioavailability and poor water-holding capacity, experiments have shown that crops such as tomatoes and mustard could grow in Martian soil simulant after nutrient augmentation.

This suggests that with the right technological advancements, agriculture could be feasible on Mars, providing a sustainable food source for human settlers.

Would we be able to breathe on Mars?

Mars' atmosphere, primarily composed of carbon dioxide, offers resources like carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen that could be harnessed through in situ resource utilization (ISRU) equipment. This technology could exploit subsurface water ice deposits and utilise atmospheric gases for creating rocket fuel, heating fuel, and even breathable air for humans.

Wow, some worthwhile work to be done there but the potential results look extraordinary.

What about moving around the planet?

There are a couple of things that are extremely important here. The first is the extreme temperature range. Mars' thin atmosphere contributes to extreme temperature variations, with averages around -60 degrees Celsius.

The lack of a thick atmosphere results in little protection against solar and cosmic radiation which would increase cancer risks. Techniques to address the temperature challenge include the introduction of greenhouse gases to raise the planet's temperature, terraforming, deploying heat sources, and using advanced insulation and heating systems in habitats. Solar energy could also regulate temperatures, supporting human habitation.

The second challenge is the reduced gravity on Mars which, at 38 per cent of Earth's, presents unknown health implications. Spaceflight affects the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and immune systems, with changes resembling accelerated ageing.  

Conditions such as muscle and bone deterioration, circulatory problems, and immune system dysfunction highlight the need for comprehensive health management strategies for Mars inhabitants. 

Potential solutions include multifidus exercises to combat back pain, dietary supplements to prevent muscle atrophy, and exercise regimes to maintain muscle and bone health.

Having sorted that out there are some natural resources that could help us build future projects.

Mars offers a variety of raw materials that could be used for construction and manufacturing, crucial for establishing and maintaining a human presence. 

Martian soil and volcanic materials like basalt could be utilised to create building blocks and sulphur-based concrete, which has been found to be stronger than its Earth counterpart.  Additionally, the potential for mining oxidised ores for metals like aluminium and magnesium indicates a rich resource base for future Martian construction and manufacturing efforts.

Are there any known health hazards that we are aware of?

Martian soil has been found to contain some nasties called perchlorates. These pose significant health risks.  

High concentrations of perchlorate can inhibit iodide uptake in the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism with widespread metabolic consequences. Additionally, perchlorate may cause pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis upon inhalation.  

Strategies to minimise exposure include leaching soil with water to remove soluble salts and implementing dust and soil containment measures in living and operational habitats.

Mars isn’t the only potential habitat for possible human habitation. Water in abundance has been found on at least two of the moons of Jupiter, Europa and Ganymede, as well as on three of Saturn’s moons — Enceladus, Titan and Dione.

Looking for life on Mars talk

Join us in the quest for extra-terrestrial life!  You are invited to attend the next meeting of the Hertford Astronomy Group where Andrew Coates will be giving a talk on 'Looking for Life on Mars and the habitability of Jupiter’s Moons'.  

It is at 8pm on Wednesday, June 12 at the University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield.

Visitors are most welcome. Tickets cost just £2 and available from https://hertsastro.org.uk

Photo of the Month: The Sun by Richard Sheppard

The Sun photographed by local astronomer Richard Sheppard, who lives in Digswell. (Image: Richard Sheppard)

There was a lot of excitement a couple of weeks ago when the aurora was visible over many parts of the country.

The Sun is approaching a period of high activity when sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections become more frequent.

Richard’s photo shows just how active the Sun was on May 19.  

Sunspots and flares are clearly visible. The photo was taken using very specialised equipment in expert hands.  

Warning: Never look directly at the Sun! The Sun emits intense light and harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Staring at the Sun – even for a few seconds – can cause permanent damage to your eyes.