Mars Landing

[Jedd]

Well then my chem teacher was an idiot. (she was, actually)

[DarkerLine]

That is a general statement that applies to all chemistry teachers.

[shadowing]

Hey I don't get this. What's all this jargon about atoms supposed to explain? Something about space?

[Jedd]

Yes. Since matter (you/me/etc) is an important part of our universe (understatement) its important to know what they are, what they do, how they are put together, etc. Also, since we are running out of fossil fuels, its very likely that our generation will need to come up with a new power source. It's looking like nuclear fusion is the way to go. That's why it's important to be educated on the topic.

[shadowing]

Don't blame me. I don't understand this because I'm in junior high. Anyway, what will be our next source of power? Solar?

[Jedd]

Maybe. But I think fusion has the most potential. Ironically enough, the sun is constantly fusing hydrogen, which is what creates the energy that creates light. So technically, solar power came from the same place. The idea behind fusion is not to break apart atoms (like fission and atom bombs) but to press (fuse) them together. It's way more cleaner and can be disposed of easily (with the right care). For an anology, a few drops of water (yes, even salt water) has enough hydrogen to produce the same amount of energy as 150 gallons of gasoline. Oceans would become an endless supply of fuel. Heck, boats could go forever.

[Arcane Wizard]

[62 52 53 53]

antually, solar IS getting more efficient. All you need is some curved mirrors, a high-quality sterling engine, and a generator. much more efficient than photocells, and lasts longer too, since the production of electricity doesen't rely on breaking the molecules apart.

And fusion will only work if we can use less than 150 gallons of gasoline to make hydrogen fuse.

[Jedd]

Solar is a great alternative when you are in a place with no source of electricity. At a research center in Belize that I go to a lot they run comepletely off of solar. It powers the water pumps, lights, water heaters, cooking equipment, etc. However I agree with Arcane that it doesn't do much good for powering cities and normal uses.

[DigiTan]

I don't know the topic got here, but as long as we're discussing energy, you might say geothermal power might also be useful on Mars, especially with the diminished sunlight. Perhaps if the rovers can uncover some volcanic activity, we might move one step closer to colonizing the Red Planet.

[shadowing]

Maybe instead of solar as it was regarded almost as nothing, fusion could replace it, but possibly, we may even use waves as a source of energy. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[DarkerLine]

How exactly would you use waves as a source of energy? what waves?

[sgm]

Do you mean using the motion of the tides to run a generator? There are very few places on earth where that is feasible.

[DarkerLine]

And it isn't feasible on mars at all, so I doubt that is what he meant.

[Jedd]

Mars Update:

Well as you guys may have seen, the US is planning on building a station on the moon as a rest stop for future Mars astronauts. My first thought was it's pointless because the moon is a short hop compared to Mars, but the reasoning behind it is for use as a re-fueling station. It takes a lot of fuel for a shuttle to leave the Earth's atmosphere, so being able to start on their mission to Mars with a full tank would be a huge advantage. I believe this is a great idea, and we should build it, but the US really should be thinking about other things we can do with our money. Although it's difficult to say, Mars can wait.

[shadowing]

I think it's useless. What I meant by waves is waves like gamma.

[Jedd]

Gamma rays are even more useless for making energy.

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Besides, I still count gama as light. It's all electro-magnetic radiation anyway. instead of waves, you could try 'radiation.'

[shadowing]

I get the point. If rays can't be used, what other sources of energy besides fusion and solar be used?

[Arcane Wizard]