Researchers have proposed a new method to make Mars habitable by releasing engineered nanoparticles into the planet’s atmosphere. According to theoretical calculations, this could increase the temperature by more than 30K, making it possible for microbial life to thrive. The idea is based on using materials already present on Mars’ surface, such as iron-rich minerals in aerosolized dust.
The team analyzed the effects of nanoparticles shaped like short rods about 9 microns long, which could be made from readily available Martian materials like iron or aluminum. These nanorods would strongly scatter and absorb upwelling thermal infrared radiation, trapping heat and scattering sunlight down towards the surface. They would also settle out of the atmosphere and onto the Martian surface more slowly than natural dust.
The proposed method is over 5000 times more efficient than previous global warming proposals, using much less mass of material to achieve significant warming. While the research is theoretical, it opens new avenues for exploring planetary climate modification and could inform future Mars exploration or long-term plans for making Mars more habitable.
Source: https://physicsworld.com/a/to-make-mars-warmer-just-add-nanorods/