Since Titan is so rich in hydrocarbons, i think we should set them aflame with nuclear weapons. I think this for two reasons:
1. The atmosphere would become hotter directly, and because of global warming. This makes it more suitable for life.
2. The chemical reactions from all the burning will produce a heck of a lot of H2O. This makes the planet even more suitable for life.
If we do this to Titan, we could eventually live on it! Think of it! What a view to see saturn in the horizon!
Who's with me?!
2006-07-26 03:23:42 · 10 answers · asked by Empty Skies 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Um, what if Titan already has indigenous life?
2006-07-26 03:27:31 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. October 4 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Ok, first: The radiation from lighting it up with nukes would cause undrepictable molecules to form, and likely pollute the place with radiation lasting thousands of years.
Second: Global warming presupposed two things. One is a proximity to the Sun that Titan does not have. The second is a large enough mass to hold an atmosphere. While Titan has an atmosphere, it is thick and cold. If it warmed, it would likely start to leach into space, just like th atmospher on Mars did, taking the newly formed water with it.
Third: Nuclear missiles are not deisgned for extraorbital deployment, thus you would have to reengneer all of the missiles. The costs would be extreme and you are talking about a hypothetical return thousands of years down the road.
Fourth: By the time all this would be done, we would likely be able to synthesize the necessary molecules from the primordial soup found on Titan without needing to nuke the place.
Nice idea, but not practical.
2006-07-26 10:33:01 · answer #2 · answered by But why is the rum always gone? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason the atmosphere of Titan is so rich in hydrocarbons is that it lacks any oxygen. So how would you get the hydrocarbons to burn without any oxidant?
2006-07-26 10:34:07 · answer #3 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As others have pointed out, there is no oxygen on Titan. If there were, it would have burned all those hydrocarbons naturally millions of years ago. Some spark of lightning or other natural cause would have set it burning long ago if it could burn.
2006-07-26 10:37:23 · answer #4 · answered by campbelp2002 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hmmmm - I Like the way you think.
Problem 1 - Not enough Oxygen to burn in - Need sufficient Oxygen too
Problem - 2 After it Burns out, it will not be suitable for living, It will be like living in a rock - where is the vegetation? We cannot expect supplies from earth, because, already earth cannot supply for it self.
2006-07-26 12:36:00 · answer #5 · answered by R G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Titan lacks oxygen. You need oxygen to burn hydrocarbons.
2006-07-26 10:27:41 · answer #6 · answered by mrodrx 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes...you are a genius. Nuke the crap out of it. Even if there is no oxygen...there are so many methane lakes they would have to ignite and start a chain reaction. Plus it would help decrease the amount of warheads that we have here on earth.
2006-07-26 10:58:18 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Terraforming other celestial bodies doesn't usually involve nuking them. It's usually a gentler process, in theory anyway.
So burn it? Naw. Acclimatize it? Sure.
2006-07-26 10:28:24 · answer #8 · answered by slagathor238 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need some oxygen to burn.
2006-07-26 11:37:13 · answer #9 · answered by mathematician 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do u really think that we will be able to live there after nuke blasts?
2006-07-26 10:31:49 · answer #10 · answered by Tanul M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋