American scientists from the National Radio Astronomy Observatory have proposed creating a ring of charged particles around Mars thanks to its satellite Phobos. To create a planetary magnetic field, you need a strong flow of charged particles either inside the planet or around it.
Phobos is one of two Martian moons and orbits the planet so close that it orbits Mars every eight hours. So the team suggests using Phobos by ionizing particles from its surface and then accelerating them to create a plasma surface, a torus, along Phobos’ orbit. This would create a magnetic field strong enough to protect Mars.
The exploration of Mars is the dream of mankind. Therefore, in order to make Mars the second Earth, you need to create an artificial field for it. His day is the same in time as on Earth. It has a lot of frozen water below the surface, which will create a breathable atmosphere over time. Magnetic fields protect against solar wind and ionizing particles.
The Earth’s magnetic field prevents most high-energy charged particles from reaching the surface. They deviate from the Earth, keeping the planet safe. Previously, Mars had a dense, water-rich atmosphere that was severely depleted without the protection of a magnetic field.
It is not easy to recreate the Earth’s magnetic field on Mars. Our field is generated by a dynamic effect in the Earth’s core, where the convection of iron alloys generates the Earth’s geomagnetic field. The interior of Mars is smaller and cooler, and you can’t just “fire it up” to create a magnetic field.
Ideas for creating a Martian magnetic field have been proposed earlier and usually involved either ground-based or orbiting solenoids (a wire spiral around which a magnetic field is created when an electric current is passed). They provide a basic level of magnetic protection.
The plan proposed by the scientists seems to be achievable, despite possible technical hurdles. But, as the authors note, now is the time for bold ideas and their implementation.
