Mars

Earth suffers a critical obstacle — it is becoming more aggravating every second: climate change. Climate change involves waves of droughts, cyclones, bush fires, and floods. In order to mitigate this catastrophe, many citizens believe that living on Mars is one of the plausible options. However, this course of action is not cost-effective and the technology required to be built is beyond our capability. So is it really possible for us to emigrate to Mars?

Although some people on the blue marble fancy that we are able to go to Mars, this can’t be scientifically done currently mainly because of Mars itself. On the Red Planet, high doses of radiation exist. Oh, and when I say “high”, I mean deadly high. This is due to the lack of atmosphere, leaving it exposed to the sun --- a “bad” situation for future Martians but not entirely the worst case on Mars. The planet is filled to the brim with dust and daily sandstorms. This dust is much finer than the kinds found on Earth due to the lack of atmosphere leading to no erosion. If this dust finds its way to the lungs of a human, it will cause the person to suffer severe suffocation. Additionally, Mars just doesn’t simply feature any oxygen which is vital to human beings.

From the above examples, we can deduce that mental health issues may be inevitable because of the lack of interaction between families and friends. This exists to protect families from radiation and Mars dust. Another reason why mental health issues exist on the Red Planet is that Mars does not have any happy features which are essential to a healthy brain. Technology is also an aspect that needs to be overcome in order to go to Mars. I wonder, what technology is required?

Moving our habitat to Mars poses another insurmountably difficult problem: technology. As scientists will inform you, such technologies like hibernation machines are not yet fully understood. Nevertheless, these machines are indispensable since what will our astronauts do during the 2 and a half year round trip to Mars? Another barrier in front of us is cost-effectiveness. Very often, sending even a kilogram to space requires a substantial sum of money, and that is only for low Earth orbit. But there still may be a gap in the door through which we can reach Mars without breaking the bank by developing almost impossible machines. Or is there?

Mars may not be a holiday destination for anyone as deadly hazards prevail. But why do we need to go to Mars anyway? Don’t you remember? All this is basically for finding a second Earth in case the unthinkable occurs. However, this procedure is exceptionally expensive and the project may even be abandoned in the future. A possible solution to this problem is acting to save the planet by cutting fossil fuel emissions, using more public transport, eating less meat, and reducing plastic usages. So why not start today?