Science & Futurism with Isaac Arthur Could We Nuke Mars’ Core to Restart Its Spin? | New Insights on Martian Interior
Nov 18, 2025
Explore the intriguing possibility of reviving Mars' magnetic field through nuclear detonation. Discover the latest seismic insights revealing Mars' solid inner core and liquid outer core. Learn why the Red Planet lost its dynamo and the immense energy barriers involved in restarting it. Delve into alternative methods for planetary alteration, such as impactors and artificial magnetospheres. Finally, contemplate the ethical implications of terraforming, balancing scientific ambition with the preservation of potential native life.
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Nuking The Core As A Metaphor
- Public fascination spawned bold proposals like 'detonate nukes to restart Mars' core.'
- Isaac Arthur frames such ideas as clever metaphors highlighting the scale problem.
Mars' Layered, Partially Active Core
- InSight seismic data revealed Mars has a solid inner core ~600 km wide enclosed by a liquid outer core.
- Mars' outer core is much smaller and less vigorous than Earth's, limiting potential dynamo strength.
Dynamo Power Scales With Size And Motion
- A dynamo's strength depends on molten region size and convective vigor as much as conductivity.
- Mars' smaller size and slower spin mean any reawakened dynamo would remain weaker than Earth's.