Is It Okay to Touch Mars? | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

National Geographic explores the possibility of turning Mars into a home and the challenges it poses, such as establishing laws, creating calendars, and potential contamination.

Key Insights

• 🤨 The colonization of Mars raises questions about governance and the establishment of laws for Martian colonists.
• 🥳 Timekeeping on Mars requires adjustments due to the planet's longer days.
• 🇲🇭 Contamination and the transfer of organisms between Earth and Mars is a serious concern for astrobiologists.
• 🛟 Martian material, including microscopic fossils, has been found on Earth, indicating the potential for life on Mars.
• 🛟 Protecting Mars as a natural space may be important for preserving its history and potential for life.
• 🛟 Mars colonization highlights humanity's power and responsibility to preserve and potentially help other forms of life.
• 🇲🇭 The colonization of Mars offers the opportunity for diversifying human habitats and spreading out from Earth.

Transcript

hey Vsauce Michael here no rocks from Mars have ever been brought back to earth and no human has ever touched anything on Mars but that's about to change National Geographic has asked me and Jake and Kevin to talk about Mars because they have a show coming out soon all about how we are planning to turn Mars into a home a place where humans will soo... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How will Martian colonists be governed and what laws will they follow?

The Outer Space Treaty prohibits national appropriation of celestial bodies, but private individuals and companies may still establish their own laws on Mars. Enforcement of these laws would be a challenge due to the distance and communication delay between Earth and Mars.

Q: How will timekeeping work on Mars?

Days on Mars are slightly longer than on Earth, so an Earth watch would not be accurate. Scientists currently use Mars time for robotic missions, and watches that run 2.7% slower than usual can be used by Martian colonists to match the planet's rotation.

Q: Can Martian colonists use Earth calendars and timekeeping systems?

Earth calendars would not match Mars' environmental cycles and would feel arbitrary. It is possible that Martian colonists may develop their own Martian year system, with twice as many weeks and months.

Q: What are the concerns regarding contamination between Earth and Mars?

Contamination can occur through the transfer of Martian material to Earth and the potential transfer of Earth organisms to Mars. The presence of Martian organisms, even on a microscopic level, could have significant consequences and may need to be protected.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• National Geographic is creating a show about turning Mars into a livable space for humans by the 2030s.

• Questions arise about the laws and governance that Martian colonists will follow, as well as the need for a new flag.

• Timekeeping on Mars poses challenges due to its longer days, and scientists currently use Mars time for robotic missions.

• Contamination is a concern as Martian material can reach Earth, potentially carrying microscopic fossils and organisms.