Magnetic shield ‘would let Mars terraform itself’

Jim Green, the Chief Scientist, proposed a plan to geoengineer Mars by placing a massive magnetic shield between Mars and the sun. This shield would protect Mars from solar particles, allowing the planet's temperature and pressure to rise. As a result, carbon dioxide on Mars' polar caps would sublimate, enhancing the greenhouse effect and initiating a terraforming process. This would eventually enable humans to grow food and walk on Mars without spacesuits.

What was the Chief Scientist's plan for making Mars habitable?

• Sending more water to Mars

• Increasing the number of rovers on Mars

• Placing a magnetic shield between Mars and the sun

• Building a large dome on Mars

How does the magnetic shield help Mars?

• It speeds up the rotation of Mars

• It creates artificial rain

• It protects Mars from solar particles

• It increases the planet's gravity

What effect does the protection from solar particles have on Mars?

• It causes Mars to shrink

• It leads to the sublimation of carbon dioxide

• It increases the planet's magnetic field

• It makes Mars colder

What is one potential benefit of increased pressure and temperature on Mars?

• Mars will become closer to Earth

• Mars will become a gas giant

• Humans can grow food on Mars

• Mars will develop oceans

What is the ultimate goal of terraforming Mars?

• To make Mars a tourist destination

• To allow humans to walk freely without spacesuits

• To create a new atmosphere for Mars

• To increase the size of Mars