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(The Gist of Science Reporter) Silica Aerogel may Support Vegetation on Mars

[SEPTEMBER-2019]

SCIENTISTS Lab, University, and NASA’s the from University Jet the Propulsion Harvard of Edinburgh have suggested a new way of making regions of Mars habitable to the photosynthetic life in the future with the help of an insulated and light material called Silica Aerogel that mimics the Earth’s atmospheric greenhouse effect. When silica aerogel is placed over ice rich regions of the planet's surface it could allow photosynthetic life to survive with minimal subsequent intervention.
With the help of modelling and experiments, the scientists demonstrated that a 2 to 3-centimetre thick shield of Silica Aerogel could protect plants and crops from harsh conditions of the planet. The gel transmits enough visible light for photosynthesis required by plants, block harmful UV radiation. Without using any internal heat source it is capable of raising the temperatures underneath permanently above the melting point of water.