Big Brains Life On Mars: Is It Possible For Humans? with Edwin Kite
Sep 19, 2025
Edwin Kite, a geophysical scientist at the University of Chicago, dives deep into Mars' intriguing past—revealing it was once a vibrant world with rivers and seas. He discusses how evidence of a lost carbon cycle hints at its climate transitions. The conversation shifts to the future, exploring ambitious terraforming ideas like greenhouse aerosols and the ethical dilemmas posed by such endeavors. Kite emphasizes the need for thorough research and exploration missions before humanity can truly consider making Mars livable again.
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Mars Once Had A Blue Sky And Water
- Ancient Mars likely had a thicker atmosphere with a blue sky, clouds, and flowing water creating streams and lakes.
- Curiosity's sedimentary layers record a transition from wet rivers to drying conditions over time.
Why A Geoscientist Chose Mars
- Edwin Kite explains his interest: Mars preserves early climate records in sediments because it lacks plate tectonics.
- That preserved record makes Mars a natural laboratory for studying habitability and origins of life.
Carbon Cycle Locked Up Mars' CO2
- Early Mars likely had an active carbon cycle that removed CO2 from the atmosphere and stored it in carbonate minerals.
- Curiosity's recent carbonate discoveries point to sequestration of ancient atmospheric carbon.