Episode Transcript
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Calarogu Shark Media welcome dreamers of theNight to Sleep from Space, the podcast
that journeys through the universe's mysteries,guiding you into a world where dreams and
reality converge. Tonight, we setour sights on Mars, the Red Planet,
a world that has captured human imaginationfor centuries and played a starring role
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in the Arnold Schwarzenegger film Total Recall. As we explore the possibilities of life
and terraforming on Mars, let thered sands of this distant world inspire dreams
of exploration and transformation. Mars,with its towering volcanoes, vast canyons,
and ancient river beds, stands asa testament to the dynamic forces that once
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shaped this world. Its red surface, dusted with iron oxide, whispers tales
of a planet that might once haveharboured life. As we gaze upon on
Mars through the lens of Total Recall, we see a world on the cusp
of human habitation, a canvas forour dreams of interplanetary colonization. Could humans
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live on Mars? This question hasdriven scientists, dreamers, and explorers to
look towards the Red Planet with hopeand determination. With current technology, living
on Mars would require overcoming significant challenges, including its thin atmosphere composed mostly of
carbon dioxide, extreme cold, andhigh radiation levels. Yet the human spirit,
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fueled by ingenuity and the desire toexplore, has begun to devise solutions,
from habitats that can shield us fromthe elements to suits designed for Martian
exploration. The concept of terraforming Mars, a central theme in total Recall,
involves transforming the planet's environment to makeit habitable for humans. Could we release
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gases and terraform Mars. In theory, releasing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide
could warm the planet, thickening itsatmosphere and potentially allowing liquid water to exist
on the surface once more. However, this process would require vast amounts of
gases and technology beyond our current capabilities. The challenge lies not just in warming
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the planet, but in creating astable, breathable atmosphere and protecting the surface
from solar and cosmic radiation. TerraformingMars raises not only technical challenges, but
ethical considerations as well. The processwould drastically alter the Martian environment, raising
questions about our right to change anentire planet. Furthermore, the potential discovery
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of Martian life, even at themicrobial level, adds another layer of complexity
to the debate, urging us toconsider our responsibilities as cosmic citizens. As
Total Recall shows, Mars holds aspecial place in our collective imagination, a
frontier of possibilities and challenges. Itrepresents not just a destination for future explorers,
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but a mirror reflecting our own earthlyconcerns about the environment, exploration,
and our place in the universe.In the vivid world of Total Recall,
cities on Mars are portrayed as bustlinghubs of activity, encased in massive domes
that protect their inhabitants from the harshMartian environment. These urban landscapes blend the
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exotic with the familiar, creating avision of life on Mars that is both
thrilling and daunting. The movie presentsa Mars where air is a commodity and
the struggle for control over the planet'sresources drives the plot forward. In reality,
the establishment of cities on Mars wouldrequire overcoming significant environmental challenges, primarily
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due to the planet's thin atmosphere,extreme temperatures, radiation exposure and the scarcity
of liquid water on the surface.Here's how these challenges might be addressed in
the real life science of building Martiancities. Protection from radiation. Mars lacks
a magnetic field and has a thinatmosphere, offering little protection from harmful solar
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and cosmic radiation. Real Martian citieswould likely need to be built underground or
be heavily shielded with materials capable ofblocking radiation, such as regolith. The
loose rock and soil found on theMartian surface. Creating a breathable atmosphere within
Martian cities would be essential. Thiscould be achieved through the use of life
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support systems that recycle air, similarto those used on the International Space Station,
and through the development of closed loopecosystems that utilize plants to generate oxygen.
Temperature control the extreme temperature variations onMars, ranging from relatively warm daytime
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temperatures to freezing nighttime temperatures, wouldrequire the construction of habitats capable of maintaining
a silt stable, livable climate fortheir inhabitants. Water supply, the presence
of water ice at the Martian polesand within its regolith presents an opportunity for
the extraction and purification of water.This water would be crucial for drinking agriculture,
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and could even be split into hydrogenand oxygen for fuel and breathable air.
Growing food on Mars would necessitate thedevelopment of hydroponic or aeroponic systems,
which allow for plant growth without soilunder controlled environmental conditions. These systems would
be vital for sustaining a human populationon Mars, providing a renewable source of
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food far from Earth. Is therewater on Mars? Yes, there is
water on Mars, primarily in theform of ice. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
and Mars Express spacecraft have provided evidenceof significant water ice deposits on the Martian
poles and beneath the planet's surface.Additionally, there have been signs of transient
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liquid water flows on Mars's surface,though these are not permanent bodies of liquid
water like lakes or rivers on Earth. The existence of water ice is a
critical factor in considering the feasibility ofhuman colonization, as it could potentially be
used for drinking water, agriculture,and as a component in the production of
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fuel. The portrayal of Martian citiesin total recall offers a captivating glimpse into
life on the Red planet. Whilethe real life establishment of cities on Mars
will face numerous challenges, ongoing researchand exploration continue to bring us closer to
making this vision a reality. Thekey to success lies in innovative technologies and
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the indomitable human spirit of exploration,driving us to overcome obstacles and expand the
boundaries of human habitation beyond Earth.As we look to the future, the
dream of Martian cities stands as atestament to our aspirations in the cosmos,
a reminder of the endless possibilities thatawait humanity among the stars. As we
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conclude our journey to Mars, letthe Red planet inspire you with its mysteries
and potential. In the quiet ofthe night, dream of standing on the
brink of a new world, wherethe challenges of living on Mars spur humanity
to new heights of creativity and cooperation. Mars, with its ancient valleys
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and towering mountains, invites us todream of what could be of a future
where humanity takes its first tentative stepson to its surface and perhaps one day
calls it home. Thank you forjoining us on this voyage to Mars.
As you drift into sleep, maythe red sands of Mars guide your dreams
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towards a future of exploration and discovery, reminding us of the endless possibilities that
await among the stars. Good Night, and may the serenity of the cosmos
embrace you until our next adventure beyondthe Earth.