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The images remind of me the "fines" mentioned in KSR's Mars trilogy. Apparently the surface of Mars is covered in very fine particles 1000's of times smaller th
by everyone 3y ago
The images remind of me the "fines" mentioned in KSR's Mars trilogy. Apparently the surface of Mars is covered in very fine particles 1000's of times smaller than grains of sand. Earth is too wet for particles like that to form.
The fines would pretty much get anywhere, into any structure, through human cell membranes. We have no idea what affect they would have on earth biology.
- mlyle 3y ago> We have no idea what affect they would have on earth biology. We know that lunar regolith is pretty damn bad, and that Apollo astronauts did not enjoy even their very short, small exposures much It's thought to be quite toxic both because it's abrasive and filled with perchlorates and chlorates (and tests with simulants based on samples returned have provided additional evidence for this). Mars soils would have largely the same problems.
- everyone 3y agoI do know that one theory of how asbestos is carcinogenic is that it is so fine it just saws away at the actual DNA molecules. However asbestos works, it does seem that those fine nano-particles could act similarly https://youtu.be/_L1305206OA?feature=shared&t=98 https://youtu.be/_L1305206OA?feature=shared&t=98
- phendrenad2 3y agoJust another problem with terraforming Mars. Instead, we should set Jupiter on fire and live on Europa.
- TeMPOraL 3y agoYou say problem, true Martian hears challenge. Turning a desert into paradise probably starts with raising air humidity a bit.
- oneshtein 3y agoNano-particles are like a dirty water, but without water.
- EnigmaFlare 3y agoClay particles on Earth are that size (micron scale). Try disturbing the dried out surface of clay ground on a hot day and a fine mist goes flying everywhere. Mars dust particles are about the same size. They're too big to go through cell membranes.