Topic: Terraforming Planets/Moons
Know:
Terraforming another planet, although it never has been done yet, is theoretically possible. A planet has to pass a specific criterion in order to support life. I think some of these conditions are liquid water, oxygen, and a specific atmosphere. I can’t remember exactly and I may be missing some conditions. As more time passes, overpopulation becomes a more talked about issue. Astronomers present the idea of terraforming a planet in order to make it inhabitable for humans. This way we have more living space for our species in case Earth cannot hold us.
Want:
Do we currently have the resources to terraform a planet or moon?
Do our space researchers have plans in the near future to terraform a planet or moon?
What planet would be the easiest to terraform?
What are the specific conditions needed to host life?
Learn:
We may have the necessary resources to begin terraforming, however, the resources that are required to do so are more than what any government would allow to be used. Currently, there are no executable plans to terraform a planet or moon, however, SpaceX plans the send the first-ever commercial space flight to Mars. Due to its proximity to Earth, Mars seems to be the easiest planet to terraform. Also if we can restore its atmosphere, it may start to terraform itself. Some requirements to host life are a stable star, the right mass, the ability to hold an atmosphere, and the presence of liquid water.
Still want to know:
Is this absolutely necessary for us as a civilization?
What’s the next step after terraforming?
Is our generation estimated to see the result of terraforming in our lifetime?
