Is it possible to terraform Mars?

Answer 1

This would be a project of unprecedented proportion, of course. Some have considered "seeding" the planet in some way that would allow it to change slowly on it's own in the direction we want. For example, if some bacteria could survive there, then it might spread, start releasing oxygen into the atmosphere and cause the temperature to rise slowly. This kind of thing, under the best of conditions, would take thousands of years. We don't have the technology or the resources to consider doing such a project at this time. But we can always theorize about it. Makes for good discussions in exobiology, ecology, etc.

Answer 2

I understand NASA is planning a mission in 2020-ish that will put a reactor and a housing quarters on Mars, and then begin distilling fuel for the return of the manned flight that will arrive the following year. The fuel will be methane-based, and distilled from Mars' own atmosphere, greatly reducing the weight limits on each trip out by having the return fuel ready, on sight.

I understand that a carbon generator(s) can be used, on a very large scale, to 'greenhouse' the planet up, just as we are here. In the case of Mars, that would make it more hospitable to plant life, which can begin the oxygen conversion process. At that point (so I hear) there will be enough of an atmosphere to get the process kicked over.

The NASA mission is set, but the terraforming project is not. I imagine it would take several generations, at least. I'm sure the terraforming project is still under the heading of, "I wonder if we can..."

Answer 3

The book "Red Mars" is full of terraforming ideas like developing fast-growing bacteria that will create an atmosphere, covering the polar caps with dust so they stop reflecting sunlight, mining deep into the surface of Mars to release heat, and crashing a comet into Mars' atmosphere to create water vapour.

Answer 4

Rather then terraform something as difficult as mars, which I say is not too likely, we should terraform a planet that is already almost fit for humans. New discovery - EARTH!

Answer 5

if we cannot even take care of our own planet, why messing up another ?

terraforming mars would be possible, if you just put enough ressources and money into such a project.
Hopefully this is not going to happen with my taxes :-(

Answer 6

It would be difficult because Mars doesn't have a magnetosphere. Harmful radiation from the sun bombards the surface, and also carries away its atmosphere little by little. That’s why its atmosphere is so thin today. I don't think it would ever be a place you could walk around on in jeans and t-shirt.