northaviator t1_j8qxgiq wrote on February 16, 2023 at 8:46 AM

Interesting, how about a local system to protect settlements, instead of burrowing into Mars to live, surface housing protected by a magnetic field under a huge polycarbonate dome ( import from Earth).

Pornelius_McSucc OP t1_j8qyq7m wrote on February 16, 2023 at 9:04 AM

That is one of my more favorite possibilities, as it would require significantly less power draw than an artificial planetary shield from a satellite or superconducting belt. The drawbacks however, appear to be that it doesn't assist in atmospheric retention and is not a naturally perpetual process. Therefore prone to mechanical failure and requiring constant upkeep. But I think this will be the logical first step for magnetic field solutions over frontier colonies. Definitely very cool to think about.

northaviator t1_j8qzk5u wrote on February 16, 2023 at 9:16 AM

I was thinking they could build large domes because the Martian atmosphere is 1% of Earths and its gravity is 40% of ours, think of the architecture one could come up with, radiation and perchlorates considered.

danielravennest t1_j8tnmlx wrote on February 16, 2023 at 9:36 PM

Sea level pressure under a dome on Mars produces a lifting force of 27 tons per square meter. That's the equivalent of 10 meters of solid rock. If your dome is lighter than that, it will be trying to pop off the foundation and has to be either tied or weighted down.

northaviator t1_j8yh52r wrote on February 17, 2023 at 9:18 PM

Foundation, will be critical, what if the pressure was kept to around 10000 ft.

danielravennest t1_j91b0ti wrote on February 18, 2023 at 1:59 PM

No. Lightweight domes as is often shown in artist's illustrations are dumb. Make the domes heavy enough to stay put on the foundation and they double as radiation protection.