I’ve at all times been obsessive about the thought of standing on one other world, however the extra I look into Mars, the extra I notice it’s not only a “Crimson Planet”—it’s a land of complete contradictions. After I was digging by way of the most recent atmospheric knowledge for this piece, one particular element truly stopped me in my tracks: the colour of the sundown.
We spend our lives chasing golden hours right here on Earth, however on Mars? All the things flips. Let’s dive into why our neighbor is far more than only a dusty rock.
The Sundown Flip: Why Blue is the New Crimson
That is the half that truthfully broke my mind a bit. On Earth, we now have a blue sky and purple sunsets. On Mars, the ambiance is so skinny and stuffed with fantastic mud that it scatters mild otherwise.
The Science: Whereas Earth’s ambiance scatters blue mild (making the sky blue), the Martian mud scatters purple mild all through the day.The Consequence: When the solar goes down on the horizon, the blue mild penetrates the mud extra effectively.The Vibe: In the event you have been standing within the Gale Crater, you’d see a pale, cool blue glow across the solar. It’s hauntingly stunning and appears like one thing straight out of a high-budget sci-fi flick.
Dwelling Massive (Actually) on the Crimson Planet
If I ever get the prospect to go to, the very first thing I’m doing is heading to Olympus Mons. I used to assume Mt. Everest was the height of planetary ambition, however Olympus Mons makes it appear like a yard hill.
1. The Volcano That Touches Area
Olympus Mons is a protect volcano in regards to the measurement of Arizona. It stands practically 22 km (13.6 miles) excessive. To place that in perspective, it’s practically thrice the peak of Everest. As a result of it’s so huge, the slope is definitely fairly mild—in the event you have been standing on it, you wouldn’t even know you have been on a mountain as a result of the curve of the planet would cover the bottom.
2. The Final Weight Loss Program
I’m not a fan of the gymnasium, so Martian gravity seems like a dream to me. Mars has about 38% of Earth’s gravity.
In the event you weigh 100 kg right here, you’d step on a scale there and see 38 kg.You can soar greater, carry heavier gear, and really feel like an elite athlete simply by stepping off the lander.
Is a One-Approach Ticket Price It?
I typically discover myself questioning if I’d truly go. Certain, the blue sunsets are mesmerizing and the low gravity sounds enjoyable, however we’re speaking a few world the place the common temperature is -62°C (-80°F). It’s a harsh, unforgiving desert that requires us to convey our personal air.
Nonetheless, once I have a look at the high-res pictures getting back from the Perseverance Rover, I see a panorama that feels unusually acquainted. It’s a silent witness to the historical past of our photo voltaic system. The “secret blue aspect” of Mars reminds us that nature doesn’t at all times observe the foundations we’re used to.
I’ve at all times believed that the Metaverse will likely be our first actual bridge to Mars. Earlier than we bodily land there, we’ll be strolling these blue-tinted craters in 1:1 digital twins, feeling the dimensions of Olympus Mons from the security of our houses.
Why This Issues for Our Future
We aren’t simply Mars as a result of it’s “cool.” We’re it as a result of it’s the final word “Plan B.” Each stat we be taught—from the atmospheric stress to the chemical make-up of the soil—is a chunk of a puzzle we’re fixing in real-time. I discover it unbelievable that in our lifetime, “Martian” would possibly go from being a sci-fi trope to a professional job description.
I’ve to ask: If SpaceX or NASA provided you a one-way ticket to Mars tomorrow, figuring out you’d be the primary to see that blue horizon in particular person however might by no means come again to Earth, would you’re taking it?
