Mars and the moon seem like the top priorities of NASA and other space agencies.
(Photo : Photo by ESA via Getty Images)
In this handout image supplied by the European Space Agency (ESA) on July 16, 2008, The Echus Chasma, one of the largest water source regions on Mars, is pictured from ESA's Mars Express. The data was acquired on September 25, 2005. The dark material shows a network of light-coloured.
This is because these aerospace companies commonly send their astronauts and space vehicles to the moon or the Red Planet.
Most of their explorations are about checking if Mars or the moon are suitable for human life. Which one of these two is safe for people to live in?
Mars Vs. Moon
According to Quartz' latest report, there are various factors that humans need to consider before living on Moon or Mars.
(Photo : Photo by ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images)
The NASA InSight spacecraft launches onboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas-V rocket on May 5, 2018, from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. - NASA on May 5 launched its latest Mars lander, called InSight, designed to perch on the surface and listen for "Marsquakes" ahead of eventual human missions to explore the Red Planet.
Also Read: Seismic Waves on Mars: New Research Observes this for the First Time from Recent 'Marsquake'
One of the major factors is the atmosphere, a layer of gas that covers a planet or other heavenly bodies.
Although the atmosphere of Mars is thin compared to that of Earth, it still contains carbon dioxide, which is important for plants.
It can also prevent radiation from reaching the planet's surface.
On the other hand, the moon has no atmosphere. This means that radiation can easily reach the space object's surface, which can harm humans.
Aside from the atmosphere, here are other factors that people need to consider before starting to live on the moon or Mars.
Water
There's a chance that Mars' subsurfaces have water. The moon is already proven to have water near its poles.
Gravity
The gravity of Mars is stronger compared to that of the moon.
Distance
The moon is closer to Earth, giving it an advantage over Mars.
Which is More Suitable for Human Life?
Since Mars has its own atmosphere, it is considered more habitable than the moon. But, the Earth's natural satellite also has some short-term advantages.
If humans are just moving to another planet or space body, the moon has advantages because it is near Earth.
Aside from this, it is also believed that the moon was once part of Earth, which means it could have the same soil as the planet.
But, when it comes to size, Mars can accommodate more people because it is larger than the moon.
While other individuals are debating which is more suitable for human life, the Mars Society reported that these two are needed together if humans want to leave Earth.
Experts stated that if humans want to establish a long-term presence on Mars, they need to develop systems on the moon's surface as part of preparations.
In other news, the NASA Artemis 1 moon mission captured its first space photos of Apollo 17.
Previously, ancient traces of a giant ocean on Mars were discovered.
For more news updates about the moon and Mars, keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
Related Article: NASA Moon Prediction: When Could Humans Live Here? Top Problems That Must Be Solved
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Written by: Griffin Davis
