Scientists Argue Terraforming Mars Should Start Sooner Than Later

A new study suggests plans to terraform Mars should be accelerated, building what it calls a "base camp" for further expansion into the solar system and the wider galaxy. Although opponents argue that Mars' unique history and environment should be preserved for future study, this report suggests that Mars' once-habitable atmosphere means any terraforming efforts are merely restoring its natural habitat, making it one we can live in and enjoy in the process.

Terraforming Mars has been something scientists and science-fiction aficionados have considered for decades. From The Expanse, to Red Mars, the idea of changing the red planet's atmosphere to one that's both breathable and temperate enough for humans to comfortably live in, is a long-term goal imagined to take centuries or millennia. To date, the technology to even start the process hasn't really existed. Now, though, the authors of a new study claim it does ...