Creation of an atmosphere that can easily be blown away by a solar storm like last fall. Does not make alot of sense to me.

Making a dome to contain breathable air does. How to construct the dome to with stand the enviroment still needs to be worked out but should easily be done.

Getting the required equipment safely to mars is however still a problem.

Harold, the solar storm did distrupt the atomsphere of Mars in 2003. However, to protect an atmosphere on a terraformed planet a magnetosphere strong enough would be required. From reading the article impressive plans at colonizing and terraforming Mars would occur over a few centuries. This would slowly build up the atmospheric concentrations of CF4, CH4, O3, N2--yet remains the question of 'functionality' with the magnetosphere around Mars.
According to prior articles, limited or regional magnetospheric conditions exists--yet a planet wide magnetosphere doesn't exist. How can this be restarted, in the distant future?
As human colonists begin to settle and population increases occur, the need for power supplies and electrical energy. Eventually, colonist will have to utilize nuclear energy to meet the power requirements of the colonist and outposts. If there potentially is a population of 1Million individuals who are terraformers, builders and scientist, power requirements are going to be quite large. Solar cell technology might not quite meet the rquirement. This is where the DOE,NRC, and other Earth based agencies will have to develope protocols for Martian colonists. Remember that treaties from the '60 and '70s will eventually be repealed and "Peaceful Applications of Terraforming with Nuclear Power" will become an issue in the future. Also, remember that project Pluto in 1964 provided substantial data with nuclear powered engines--but funding issues cancelled any further development--after the assination of the greatest visionary President--human could have colonized Mars in the 1980's had government funding continued. (stepping off the soap box...)
So, instead of building a huge dome or surrounding the entire planet as a greenhouse. What about the development of nuclear power stations near regions of high water concentration.
1. This provides cooling to the cores of the reactors.
2. Power is generated, for all individuals and colonists.

One of the 'scary' things about nuclear power is a meltdown. Tempatures can reach over 5000 degrees melting the uranium core. This nearly happened at Three Mile Island, in the late 70's and no nuclear reactors have been built since 1979.
However, on Mars a "Planned" Meltdown would be ideal for restarting the Martian magnetosphere. The existance of a Magnetosphere indicates the planetary core was actively heated by radioactive decay, the present planetary core may require... This is something that the colonists may consider in the future for a fully terraformed planet.

The colonization and terraforming of the Moon and Mars, requires international effort and understanding of technological, scientific advancements, and political agreements to build a world and space-traveling civilization of the human species.

Yet, individuals will try to clog up the pipes.
So, who knows how long it will take for the "Warp Drives" to be on line--since nearly 30 years have passed from the development of the first nuclear propulsion engines.

Hi Jerry: Does anyone Know what radiactive materials are present on Mars for use in reactor constuction. Obtaining needed ingredience from the planet is a must rather than to bring everything that will be needed from Earth.

Another question that I have is what related strength is required of the Magnetic field to lessen the effects of the solar storms if teraforming is to take hold.

The mineral composition and locations on Mars, if having been scanned by orbiting systems, might be classified information--or available at usgs--especially if concentrations of radioactive elements are present. Since Mars is a small rocky world; along with Earth, Venus, and Mercury, the geology of Mars potentially is analogous to Earth. Thus mineral composition of gold, silver, titianium, manganese, sulfur, iron, silicon will also exist. This opens up a wonderful science-fiction reality of moving Earthlings to mining camps to exploit the mineral wealth of Mars for shipping supplies to Earth in the 22nd Century. Remember the movie "Total Recall"; isn't that far off on some realities to developing an extension of human civilization on Mars. Enough said.
Therefore, an array of satelite systems orbiting the planet is required. Some to map the mineralogical concentrations and geological areas--which has been occuring--given the amount of hydrogen in various areas of the planet. Course, more analysis and detailed maps will be require before 'individuals' walk on the surface to confirm the 'full' potenital of Martian colonization or terraforming activities.
The Tharis region, probably has a high concentration of K,S,Mg,Mn,Ni,Fe,Al, and Si, which could be mined and develop an 'infrastructure' on the planet. All of which would foster the building of towns and small cities for the inhabitants and workers. Yet, going there is potentially a one-way ticket for the majority of terraformers, miners, construction, educators, scientist, and politicians. It is the chance for humans to build a world--basically from the ground up with the introduction of bacterial life to having plants and animals breathing on the surface. Isn't it ironic, humans could destroy Earth with the technology that it has and wipe out the existance of the higher life forms on Earth or utilizing the same technology and knowledge too develope and foster another home-world for humans, plants, and animals.

It would be terrible, if the human species decided to stay on Earth--squabbling over limited resourses--affraid to venture out of the cradle and walk amoung the stars.

Maybe one should ask D. radioflorians what the future might hold, or genetically modify it for Venus?

The Martian Chronicles, with art imitating
life, then life imitating art, and coming
full circle after 30 years.

John C Redfern Writer, Economist, Consultant

Terraforming Mars in the way described in the artcle would be temporary at best. A survivable atmosphere is only part of what needs to be created.
We would have to regenerate it's core. In order to do that we need radiation in very high concentrations.
Once the core has melted, a magnetic field will develope. Only then can the permanent functions necessary for life be created.

What about the log duration flight cause muscle loss, not to mention bone loss. Research from MIT mars project http://www.marssociety.org/translife/reports/mg-25Feb02.PDF

methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3)Signs of life?

Hey Can Anyone give me the highest temp for mars and lowest temp for mars? I am also looking for wind speeds any occuring storms gaseas present in mars and a weather report i need this soon