Feasibility of nuclear detonation for deep planetary science on Mars

  • Thread starter ElfredaCyania
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In summary, the study explores the potential use of nuclear detonations on Mars to enhance deep planetary science. It assesses the feasibility of using controlled nuclear explosions to access subsurface materials and geological formations that are otherwise difficult to reach. The research highlights the benefits of such methods for understanding Mars' geology, climate history, and potential for past life, while also addressing the environmental and ethical implications of nuclear detonations in extraterrestrial contexts. Overall, the findings suggest that, while theoretically promising, significant technical and regulatory challenges must be overcome to implement this approach responsibly.
  • #36
ElfredaCyania said:
I know that I can't nuke it and no one can nuke it at least not soon. I'm not calling for nuking it. Rather, my interest lies in understanding whether the hesitation around this idea stems from its scientific merit and feasibility or primarily from regulatory and ethical concerns (or both).
The title of the thread seems to have been deliberately chosen (click bait?) to draw attention. A title, something like "What size of detonation would be optimal for seismology on Mars" would have soon elicited the same amount of useful views without the image of great big 20th century Earthling boots clomping all over an unexplored planet. More like normal PF style.
 
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  • #37
sophiecentaur said:
The title of the thread seems to have been deliberately chosen (click bait?) to draw attention.
It was indeed about the feasibility of the whole idea at the beginning, I thought there might be some technological challenge so we have a project like A119 to bomb the moon for a similar purpose but there's no Mars counterpart in history (not even a preprint). But the direction went to seismology after the conclusion that sending one isn't technically implausible. Also, seismology is the most promising and justifiable among all the potential areas. For now, the conclusion is that we lack sufficient data, mainly on the radiation to push the idea further. Even if we are going to choose the yield, it will be more about geology and seismology rather than aerospace engineering.

Too bad I can't edit the title now.
 
  • #38
ElfredaCyania said:
Too bad I can't edit the title now
Not to worry.
Imo, it's always better to say "I want to find out xyz; what's the best way?" rather than "I want to use this tool to find out XYZ"
This is especially true when nukes are involved, with all that baggage and worry.
 
  • #39
I think the day we set off a nuke on Mars would be the day Klaatu and Gort show up.
 
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