NASA engineer proposes building a settlement flying in the atmosphere to avoid acid rain on the surface of Venus

We've long wanted to settle on Mars, so much so that science has invested in studying how to survive on the Red Planet, and then sending robots up to learn the most basic properties of Mars.

By now, we can surmise that Mars once possessed a biosphere similar to Earth, with large waters flowing on the surface now arid. As far as we know about life, the presence of water on Mars means that the Red Planet once supported life. In the latest findings, the instrument has found traces of ice in the soil, which is one of many reasons that microorganisms, or life, exist on Mars.

However, Mars is still a desert that is not suitable for life. The high temperature of Mars, with a dense atmosphere of solar radiation, will make it extremely difficult to settle here. The most logical way to live on the Red Planet is to stay away from the surface, build solid tunnels in the ground.

Subterranean settlements could help colonize Mars.

But Mars is not the only candidate for the role of humanity's second home, it is not even on the list of planets that can support life.

However, Mars is still the only planet in the habitable zone around a star (in this case, the Sun), the other two planets in this zone are Mercury and Venus, or planet Earth. potentially deadly.

So Venus could be a good candidate

Referring to Venus is referring to the hottest planet in the Solar System, with a surface temperature of up to 463.85 degrees Celsius. Atmospheric pressure is so great that it crushes a can of fresh water, and the planet's surface is continuous. witnessing volcanic activity, and as if to 'add fuel to the fire', Venus also regularly rains sulfuric acid. Yet, Venus can still sustain life.

The bottom line is this: the difficulty in colonizing Venus lies at the planet's surface, but Venus' atmosphere is still friendly to life. In other words, humans can survive in the atmosphere of Venus.

Venus.

First, a protective suit will not be required, as astronauts only need an oxygen tank and a respirator mask. At an altitude of about 50km above the surface of Venus, the harsh planetary atmosphere resembles habitats on Earth. Temperatures at this altitude range from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius.

Furthermore, the atmosphere of Venus can act as a shield against extraterrestrials; the celestial body would burn up on its way to the surface of Venus, an unlikely thing on Mars.

The force of gravity will also not affect the quality of life of the settlers. Mars' gravity is only 38% of Earth's, which will certainly hinder the growth of children and the physical fitness of adults. Meanwhile, Venus's gravity is 90.4% Earth's.

The strong gravity means that the spacecraft will be more accessible to the planet. Besides, Venus is closer to Earth, the transit time between the two planets is only 97 days, too short compared to the Earth - Mars journey lasting up to 7 months.

From fantasy to reality

So how do we establish settlements on Venus? NASA scientist Geoffrey A. Landis has a proposal. in the sky: we can build settlements suspended in the air, held in the air by giant balloons and built of material is lighter than air.

Illustration of the harsh surface of Venus.

According to Mr. Landis, it is not too difficult to build and keep the city in the air. 'Because Venus's atmosphere is rich in CO2, the gas we have been living with for so long, nitro and oxygen can be the gas that lifts the object'.

He continued: 'On Earth, we still know that in order for something to fly, we'll need something lighter than air. You know what, our air is lighter than [Venus]'s air.

'If you could take the room you live in, replace the wall with something thinner, the room would float in Venus' atmosphere,' said aerospace engineer Landis.

Instead of using magic, cities in the clouds can be built using technology.

This image appears in many works of science fiction, and if it does appear in reality, it will most likely occur in the atmosphere of Venus. There have been ambitious individuals looking to research and build such a city. Elon Musk may dream of a prosperous city perched on the surface of the barren Red Planet, others may also dream of a 'city in the clouds', hovering above a planet that regularly rains acid.

With a position close to the Sun, the amount of light energy Venus receives will be extremely abundant. According to preliminary calculations, solar cell efficiency will be 40% higher than Earth conditions, and 240 times more efficient than a similar device on Mars.

A flying city powered by light and nuclear energy (at least, until we get fusion power) would be a new wonder of mankind.