Trivia: Why does everything that falls fall down?
Answer: Because of gravity.
According to a recent study published in the journal, Current Biology, living on Mars might be just as impossible as living on the Moon.
Researchers from Stanford University conducted the study, and it analyzed data from the Human Research Program’s NASA Twin Study. If you didn’t know, astronauts Scott Kelly and Mark Kelly are identical twins, both of whom served for an extended period on the International Space Station.
The moon is not habitable for humans as it lacks an atmosphere and has a fragile magnetic field. The moon is also very dry and its surface temperature can reach up to 127°C (261°F).
The temperature in Earth’s sun orbit is too cold for humans to live on either planet unless they’re adequately clothed. During the day, the moon reaches up to 107°C (224°F). At night, the temperature drops to -153°C (-243°F).
Living on Mars has also been proven to be problematic. The planet’s thin atmosphere is not enough for humans to breathe and it doesn’t protect against cosmic radiation. Living on Mars would require creating a closed system to protect humans from radiation.
Humans can only survive living on the moon by building unique habitats. This means creating a closed system that provides air, water, food, and even warmth for the astronauts.
The very first person to reach the surface of the Moon was Neil Armstrong in 1969. He stated that it was “magnificent desolation during his short walk.” While there are various space exploration programs in the works, likely, humans will never be able to live in either place.
The Apollo 17 mission was the last time that humans walked on the surface of the Moon. Astronauts need to be appropriately clothed before exploring the surface of the Moon, as the temperature varies from -153°C (-243°F) to 107°C (224°F).