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Why does the Mars 24.5 hr day versus the Moons 28 day-day matter? What are the consequences of this big difference between Earth day and the moon/Mars day?
by orky56 10y ago
Why does the Mars 24.5 hr day versus the Moons 28 day-day matter? What are the consequences of this big difference between Earth day and the moon/Mars day?
- skykooler 10y ago24.5 hours matches our circadian cycle. On the Moon extra power would be necessary for artificial lighting.
- aetherson 10y agoI don't think that lighting is going to be the difference between a viable and unviable non-terran colony.
- ygjb-dupe 10y agoI think you underestimate the importance and cost of the artificial lighting :P On the moon it means you need enough solar power in batteries to power your gear, and to power appropriate spectrum lighting for plant growth. If you can rely on solar power more reliably, then you can construct (significantly more complex than those required on earth) green houses which still benefit from natural light.
- aetherson 10y agoIn all fairness, my parent poster was talking about human circadian rhythms, not greenhouses. I actually agree that there are numerous challenges associated with very long days and nights. Artificial lighting per se is not among them. Solar power is a reasonable one.
- exDM69 10y ago14 consecutive days of darkness in the moon creates issues with solar energy, heating, etc.
- Symmetry 10y agoFor constant power on Mars you need 2 kg of batteries for every 1 kg of solar panels. On the moon you need 50+ kg.
- zardo 10y agoThe temperature swings on the moon are a major engineering challenge. 500f difference between noon and midnight.