Is it possible to terraform Mars?

Question

I remembered the movie "Total Recall" where they used ice and heat to create cloud to give atmosphere to Mars. Is it possible?

Answer 1

Well, terraform is a strong word. It means that people could live there as they do on Earth. So, I would have to say no.
1. Mars is too small to keep an a deep enough atmosphere.
2. Mars is too far from the Sun to receive enough Solar energy to power photosynthesis.
3. Mars lacks an Ozone Layer which is needed to protect life forms from Solar radiation.
4. Mars lacks a supply of liquid water. This is necessary for many of the processes that we take for granted.
5. There are no ancient pyramids that have mined a hidden core of ice that we can just turn on. We would have to take our technology there, and so far, that is too expensive a proposition at this time.

So, until new technologies and energy sources are discovered, it will be impossible to terraform another planet.

;-/ Wish it was otherwise.

Answer 2

I remember reading an article on it a few years ago which suggested something about releasing the oxygen in the ice caps to give Mars a breathable atmosphere but I think it was more about wishful thinking than actually being able to do it. Still, I hate to say "never"...

Answer 3

First of all, it is possible to terraform Mars. But the effort to do so would be huge and is, as of now, unaffordable.

Second of all, if we'll do it one day, it won't happen with ice, if at all, ice might be able to support the process, but I bet we'd keep the ice to have a stock of water.

Answer 4

Yes!

It is possible to Terraform Mars. It is also possible to be going there now on existing, off the shelf technology.

Reading a book named "The Case For Mars" by Robert Zubrin is a GREAT place to start learning about it...

Answer 5

tried that just putting a space heater on the surface creat a tornato and all the dust and air leaves the planet due to little gravity one could even launch a meteorite with a open end ballon tied to a rock.