How Would a Person Fare on Mars?

History

• Mars has been known to humans for centuries, since early humans noticed the planet around 400 B.C. With the widespread use of the telescope around 1600, astronomers were able to observe Mars more closely. In the 1800s, canals were discovered on Mars, and scientists took that as a possible sign of water on the planet that would indicate human existence was possible.

Size

• Mars is the fourth planet from the sun, and is approximately half the size of Earth. It has almost the same rotational rate as Earth, but revolves around the sun in a period almost twice as long as the Earth year. Because of its tilt on the axis, Mars experiences seasonal changes, like Earth, but twice as long. An important factor that would affect human existence on Mars is its distance from earth; at their closest point, Mars and Earth are located about 35 million miles apart.

Features

• One of the biggest factors that prevents human existence on Mars is the atmosphere, which is toxic. The climate is also a problem, as average annual temperatures are approximately -60 degrees Celsius, and the UV fluctuations on the surface would be harmful to humans. The Martian soil is thought to be toxic, there is no definitive proof of any surface water and the topography is extreme.

Time Frame

• A major factor in the potential human exploration of Mars is the time it would take to reach the planet. At the least, it would take a spacecraft six months to reach the surface of Mars, during which astronauts would have to live in close quarters and under hazardous conditions. The spacecraft would have to carry enough supplies to support the human explorers during the trip to Mars, through the time on the planet and the trip home.

Considerations

• If science can overcome the factors that make human existence on Mars presently impossible the potential for a settlement on the planet is possible. Because of its size and conditions, Mars would be able to support a population that was significantly smaller than Earth's. It would be an ideal location, however, for scientific research and exploration of deeper space areas.