Question, Why is Mars almost sterile?

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In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of a random CME event releasing a solar mass of plasma that struck Mars and potentially caused the planet to become almost sterile. It is noted that Mars may not have had the necessary gravity to maintain an atmosphere and oceans for a long time, and that the Sun may have had twice its current mass in the past. The conversation concludes with the idea that with enough time and opportunity, living organisms like humans can evolve. However, the discussion is deemed too speculative and is closed.
  • #1
Bearsun
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During the many millions of years that Mars has existed is it possible a random CME event released a solar mass of plasma that struck Mars and powered off the Martian atmosphere and the Martian ocean(s) and made Mars almost sterile?
 
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  • #2
Not really no. A solar mass of plasma leaves nothing left where the sun is.
 
  • #3
Or prior to that, the sun had twice the mass it does today! :-p

Mars doesn't have the gravity required to keep much of an atmosphere or oceans for a long time.
 
  • #4
russ_watters said:
Or prior to that, the sun had twice the mass it does today! :-p

Mars doesn't have the gravity required to keep much of an atmosphere or oceans for a long time.

If the Sun had twice the mass maybe Mars did also before getting struck by a blow torch blast of Solar Plasma. There are lots of possibilities over billions of years. We living organisms called humans are an example of what can happen given enough time and opportunity.
 
  • #5
Vanadium 50 said:
Not really no. A solar mass of plasma leaves nothing left where the sun is.

Bearsun said:
During the many millions of years that Mars has existed is it possible a random CME event released a solar mass of plasma that struck Mars and powered off the Martian atmosphere and the Martian ocean(s) and made Mars almost sterile?

Please explain futher. Aren't we Stardust?
 
  • #6
1-1=0.

This is too speculative to be useful. Closed.
 

Related to Question, Why is Mars almost sterile?

1. What makes Mars almost sterile?

Mars is almost sterile due to its thin atmosphere, lack of liquid water, and extreme temperatures.

2. How does the thin atmosphere of Mars contribute to its sterility?

The thin atmosphere of Mars allows for harmful cosmic and solar radiation to reach the surface, making it difficult for life to thrive.

3. Why is the absence of liquid water on Mars a factor in its sterility?

Liquid water is a crucial component for life as we know it. Without it, it is difficult for organisms to survive and reproduce on Mars.

4. What role do extreme temperatures play in the sterility of Mars?

The extreme temperatures on Mars, which can reach as low as -225°F, make it inhospitable for most forms of life to survive.

5. Is there any potential for life on Mars despite its sterility?

While Mars is currently inhospitable for life, there is ongoing research and exploration to determine if there was ever potential for life to exist on the planet in the past. Additionally, there are plans for future missions to search for signs of microbial life on Mars.

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