Mars, better known as the Red Planet, could one day become a second home for humans, or even a permanent one should Earth meet its doom. However, the planet is not in a state that’s friendly to life, and as such, Scientists are working hard to figure out a way that could change this fact.

NASA is having a huge brainstorm on how to return Mars to its habitable past. Apparently, the idea right now is to create an artificial Magnetic Shield around the Red Planet to replace the one that vanished billions of years ago. Such a move could in turn boost what is left of Mars’ atmosphere, which could reintroduce oceans.

These scientists are from the Planetary Science Division, and they believe this shield could help with terraforming Mars to look more like Earth

Shield to protect planet from solar radiation

For life to strive on Earth, it relies much on the magnetic shield that surrounds the planet for solar radiation. Without it, every living thing would die and the water would dry up pretty quickly. At the moment, solar radiation is beating down on Mars, making sure nothing will be able to survive there.

Should the shield be put into place, it would likely thicken the atmosphere to a point where the carbon dioxide ice that lives at the planet’s north pole would eventually thaw, and potentially spurring a spew of greenhouse gasses.

This gas will then warm and melt the regular ice, which in turn, provides water to create oceans.

The idea is so crazy it just might work. However, NASA and its partners will need to have the required funds to put the idea into practice. Furthermore, it could take years for an artificial magnetic shield to be created. After that, it could then take decades for scientists to see the fruit of their labor.

1000 years before Earth is inhabitable

Stephen Hawking once claimed humans have 1000 years left on planet Earth. In fact, he strongly believes the human race will be wiped out during this time if this great race refuses to colonize the stars. The first step in this plan of survival is Mars, and from there, well, the universes will become the next playground.