New research, reported in Nature Ecology & Evolution, (25 September 2023) has for the first time validated at scale, one of the theories that has underpinned ecology for over half […]
Terraforming & Geoengineering
Posted inPress Release, Science Fiction, SETI & Technosignatures, Terraforming & Geoengineering
Application of the Thermodynamics of Radiation to Dyson Spheres as Work Extractors and Computational Engines, and their Observational Consequences
I apply the thermodynamics of radiation to Dyson spheres as machines that do work or computation, and examine their observational consequences.
Posted inHabitable Zones, SETI & Technosignatures, Status Report, Terraforming & Geoengineering
Making Habitable Worlds: Planets Versus Megastructures
In 2015, a star KIC 8462852 caught the world’s attention due to a paper by citizen scientists who noticed its seemingly unexplainable brightness variations.
Posted inAtmospheres, Climate, Weather, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Gaia - Planetary Perspectives, Icy Worlds, Status Report, Terraforming & Geoengineering, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Driving Action On The Climate Crisis Through Astronomers For Planet Earth And Beyond
While an astronomer’s job is typically to look out from Earth, the seriousness of the climate crisis has meant a shift in many astronomers’ focus.
Posted inBiogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Fossils & Paleontology, Origin & Evolution of Life, Plant Biology, Press Release, Terraforming & Geoengineering
Land Plants Changed Earth’s Composition
Scientists at the University of Southampton have discovered that the evolution of land plants caused a sudden shift in the composition of Earth’s continents. The Southampton researchers, led by Dr […]
Posted inTerraforming & Geoengineering
Cloud Continents: Terraforming Venus Efficiently by Means of a Floating Artificial Surface
The similarity of Venus and Earth in bulk properties make Venus an appealing target for future colonization. Several proposals have been put forward for colonizing and even terraforming Venus despite […]
Posted inTerraforming & Geoengineering
How To Create An Artificial Magnetosphere For Mars
If humanity is ever to consider substantial, long-term colonization of Mars, the resources needed are going to be extensive. For a long-term human presence on Mars to be established, serious […]
Posted inPress Release, Terraforming & Geoengineering
Using Microbes For Space Colonization
With the recent celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo program’s first landing of humans on the moon, the eyes and hopes of the world again turned skyward. The […]
Posted inPress Release, Terraforming & Geoengineering
Enabling Martian Habitability With Silica Aerogel Via the Solid-state Greenhouse Effect
The low temperatures and high ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels at the surface of Mars today currently preclude the survival of life anywhere except perhaps in limited subsurface niches. Several ideas […]
Posted inLife Support Systems, Mars, Terraforming & Geoengineering
Mars Mimicking Chamber Explores Planetary Habitability
A research team in Spain has the enviable job of testing out new electromechanical gear for potential use in future missions to the “Red Planet.” They do it within their […]