Ben S. answered • 06/29/23
Knowledgeable Geology Tutor Committed to Helping Others Succeed
Mars is the only other planet under consideration for human colonization, due to its orbital proximity to Earth. Although its composition and day/night cycle are similar to Earth's, Mars's toxic atmosphere is thin enough to cause dramatic temperature differences, but thick enough to generate dust storms across its landscape. Ionizing radiation and fine dust cover its surface. Valuable resources on Mars for colonists include ore, soil, and subsurface water. There are scant means to develop energy resources like nuclear, solar, and wind power. Human populations may be able to survive on Mars for a limited time, but probably not thrive as they do on Earth.
