Using Glitter to Heat Mars

Recent research from a collaboration of scientists at the University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of Central Florida suggests a novel approach to warming Mars, which currently has a surface that is too cold to support human life. While one-third of the planet's surface is believed to be water and streams may have flowed as recently as 600,000 years ago, the challenge has been finding a cost-effective and practical method to increase the planet's temperature. The proposed solution involves using engineered particles made from iron and aluminum found on Mars. These particles would reflect sunlight and trap heat, enhancing the planet's natural greenhouse effect. This method mirrors an unintentional process on Earth, where human activities have released materials into the atmosphere that contribute to warming. According to Edwin Kite, a planetary scientist at the University of Chicago, this approach is more feasible than previous concepts that relied on importing greenhouse gases, which would require resources that are scarce on Mars. The study indicates that once these engineered particles, referred to as "Mars glitter," are lifted into the atmosphere, they would remain suspended longer than typical Martian dust, allowing for more effective heat retention. Although millions of tons of this material would still be necessary to achieve significant warming, this new method could require up to 5,000 times less than earlier proposals, greatly enhancing the project's viability. Despite these advancements, the thin atmosphere on Mars means that astronauts would still be unable to breathe unaided, indicating that significant challenges remain before human exploration can occur.