It has been quite long since our obsession with life on Mars
began. We have had varied theories and arguments. The red planet has fascinated
us humans for its proximity to Earth, literally and otherwise. There have been
discussions about how habitable Mars is, but there have been no concrete conclusion. Currently, NASA has placed two rovers on Mars to explore the
enticing planet – Opportunity and Spirit. There are pictures released from
these Rovers regularly by NASA and every time a new picture hits the internet, it goes viral. For some reason, the land on Earth is not big enough
for people anymore, they now want to vacation in even more exotic locations,
and that includes Mars. Considering these theories and research papers, here is a
list of 9 things that make life on Mars bizarre.
1. Dull
Landscapes and Placid Scenery
With all due respect to the red planet, it is not even close
to being called beautiful. Earth offers not only
diversity but also amazing scenic
beauty that is peaceful. Wanderlust would be an
imaginary feeling on Mars. Everything would either seem gray or red, and that also includes the sky. The planet
is not as colorful as the human race has
subjected it to be.
2. Always Low on Rocket Fuel
Rocket Fuel will obviously be needed to travel to Mars and
most importantly, to come back. In spite of being extensively stored, hydrogen has
a tendency of escaping fuel tanks. Hence, there will be a permanent shortage
and travelling back and forth would be
difficult.
A solution to this problem can be manufacturing Rocket Fuel
on Mars itself. But storing and keeping it chilled will require insulation and
electric coolers. And not to forget, the raw materials would still be needed
from the Earth.
3. The Unbearable Cold Temperatures
Even the coldest region on Earth, Antarctica, has way more
temperature than Mars.
On Mars, even the areas that are closer to the Equator have
a temperature ranging from -70°C to -100°C. CO2 will freeze at such low
temperatures, and a human will not be able to survive without technology on
Mars.
Even if scientists do come up with synthetic, climate
controlled areas, there is no way they can do this for the entire planet. So,
whenever you would be traveling on Mars,
you would have to wear the same helmets like the astronauts wear.
4. No Atmosphere At All
What’s atmosphere on Mars is just laboratory vacuum by Earth
standards. To escape this pressure, a human will always have to be in a
spacesuit. Even a minor leakage can fatal and life-threatening. While being on
Mars does sound exciting, risking your own
life is definitely not worth it.
5. Long Days on Mars
The typical day at Mars will be 40 minutes more than the Earth’s
average day. But no matter how good these extra 40 minutes sound, it will be
difficult for humans to adjust to it. The human circadian rhythm is programmed
for 24 hours and living on Mars will lead to perpetual jet lag.
6. The Absence of Surface Gravity
The effects of spending long
period in the small gravity of
Mars are still unknown. It might lead to a loss of bone density and muscle
mass. The low surface gravity will create great difficulty, and it would be
highly difficult for the humans to adjust to it.
7. Extended and Frequent Dust Storms
Martian summers that occur every two Earth years have a
serious chance of dust storms. These storms are quite severe, and the light
from the Sun reduces by 95%. Not only will this lead to loss of light during the day but this kind of dust is harmful to
humans as well.
8. Constant Static Electricity
We Earthlings face static electricity when we comb our hair
or touch the doorknob. This static electricity on Mars can create a serious
problem. The soil on Mars will generate static electricity because it is dry
and fine like rubber. The current rovers deal with this issue with ultrafine
needles, but the same will be difficult to manage if people build houses on
Mars.
9. Uneven
Martian Terrain
Martian terrain is extremely rocky. In fact, the rocky
terrain is very much similar to the moon. Now, for landing, there is usually a
flat plain required. These rocks could possess a huge threat and even damage
parts of the aircraft.
