A Layer of ‘Aerogel’ Could Make Mars Habitable and Even Enable Life to Develop There
▻https://singularityhub.com/2019/07/19/a-layer-of-aerogel-could-make-mars-habitable-and-even-enable-life-to
the new study suggests a different approach: that smaller areas of Mars could be covered by a thin (2-3cm) covering of aerogel, providing a greenhouse effect by locking in heat. Using lab experiments, the researchers showed that this could increase the surface temperature by 50°C. The authors then used a climate model of Mars to confirm that the gel would be able to keep the water below it liquid up to a depth of several meters. It would also protect against harmful radiation by absorbing the radiation at UV wavelengths while still allowing enough light for photosynthesis.
