1. Greening the Red Planet
- Author
-
Hawkes, Nigel
- Subjects
Mars (Planet) -- Discovery and exploration ,Space colonies -- Environmental aspects ,Planets -- Environmental engineering ,Large space structures (Astronautics) -- Forecasts and trends ,Geography ,Petroleum, energy and mining industries - Abstract
The Sep 1992 lift-off of NASA's Mars Observer (MO) may begin a project that will end with the conversion of the currently uninhabitable planet into one capable of supporting terrestrial life. The immediate aim of MO is to provide detailed topological and meteorological maps, monitor volcanic activity and movement of surface materials such as ice and carbon dioxide and to record magnetic and gravitational field fluctuations. Some scientists believe that the introduction of chlorofluorocarbons may cause a greenhouse planetary warming which will eventually make the surface more like Earth's.
- Published
- 1993