- Mars and Venus are two of the closest planets to Earth in our solar system, but they have very different characteristics that would make the process of making them more Earthlike quite challenging.
Gravity on the planet:
Mars has a surface gravity that is about 38% of Earth's, which would make it easier for humans to move around and perform tasks. On the other hand, Venus has a surface gravity that is about 90% of Earth's, which is closer to the gravity we are used to but may cause health problems for humans in the long term.
Temperature on the planet:
Mars has a very thin atmosphere, which means that its surface is exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. The average temperature on Mars is around -80 degrees Fahrenheit, but it can reach up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas during the day. Venus, on the other hand, has a thick atmosphere that traps heat and creates a runaway greenhouse effect, leading to average temperatures of around 864 degrees Fahrenheit.
Surface composition of the planet:
Both Mars and Venus have rocky surfaces, but their compositions are quite different. Mars has a lot of iron oxide (rust), which gives it its reddish color, while Venus has a lot of volcanic rocks and sulfuric acid in its atmosphere. This could make it more difficult to extract resources from Venus and use them to make the planet more Earthlike.
Atmosphere of the planet:
As mentioned earlier, Mars has a very thin atmosphere, which means that it has very little protection from solar radiation and is not able to retain heat very well. Venus, on the other hand, has a thick atmosphere that is mostly composed of carbon dioxide, which could potentially be used to create a greenhouse effect that would warm up the planet.
Required travel time and materials we would need to take to the planet:
Both Mars and Venus would require a significant amount of resources and time to make them more Earthlike. Mars is closer to Earth and has been the focus of more exploration and research, which means that we have a better understanding of its characteristics and what would be required to make it more hospitable for humans. However, Venus's thick atmosphere and closer proximity to the Sun could make it a better candidate for terraforming, as it would be easier to create a greenhouse effect and warm up the planet.
- In summary, both Mars and Venus have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to making them more Earthlike for human habitation. Mars has a lower gravity and a thinner atmosphere, but its extreme temperature fluctuations and iron-rich surface could make it a more challenging candidate. Venus has a higher gravity and a thick, mostly carbon dioxide atmosphere, but its extremely high temperatures and difficult surface composition could also pose significant challenges. Ultimately, the decision of which planet to focus on would depend on a variety of factors, including the resources and technology available, the goals of the mission, and the potential benefits and risks associated with each option.