Mars movies: a. Watch a science fiction film about people going to Mars. How does the film handle the science? Can people breathe the atmosphere? Are the low surface gravity and atmospheric pressure correctly portrayed? Do the astronauts have access to water? b. At the end of the film Total Recall (1990), Arnold Schwarzenegger's character presses an alien button, the martian volcanoes start spewing, and within a few minutes the martian sky is blue, the atmospheric pressure is Earthlike, and the atmosphere is totally breathable. (Probably you can find the scene online.) What, scientifically, is wrong with this scene? That is, why would volcanic gases not quickly create a breathable atmosphere on Mars?

Step by step solution

01

Choose a Film

Select and watch a science fiction film that involves travel to or colonization of Mars, such as 'The Martian' (2015).

02

Analyze the Film's Science

Consider the portrayal of science in the film. Specifically, evaluate how the film depicts the atmosphere of Mars. Ask the following questions: Can people breathe the atmosphere? Are the low surface gravity and atmospheric pressure accurately depicted? Do the astronauts have access to water, and if so, how?

03

Document Observations

Take notes on how each of the above scientific aspects is handled. For example, if the characters can breathe on Mars, note any explanation the film provides for this (e.g., terraforming, use of spacesuits). Observe if low gravity is a factor in the characters' movements, and how the film addresses water availability.

04

Watch the Scene in Total Recall

Watch the specific scene from 'Total Recall' (1990) where Arnold Schwarzenegger's character activates an alien button. Observe the sequence where the Martian volcanoes erupt and the atmosphere becomes breathable.

05

Analyze Scientific Accuracy

Critically assess why the scene from 'Total Recall' is scientifically inaccurate. Consider the speed of atmospheric change, the nature of volcanic gases, and the processes required to make an atmosphere breathable. Note the issues such as the time required for sufficient atmospheric pressure buildup and the improbability of volcanic gases creating a breathable, Earth-like atmosphere so quickly.

06

Draw Conclusions

Summarize why volcanic gases would not quickly result in a breathable atmosphere on Mars. Highlight that volcanic eruptions primarily release gases such as carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, which by themselves are not suitable for breathing. Also, discuss the lengthy natural processes needed to change atmospheric composition to make it Earth-like.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Mars atmosphere

Mars has a thin atmosphere composed mainly of carbon dioxide (95.3%), nitrogen (2.7%), and argon (1.6%). Due to this composition, humans cannot breathe the Martian air without assistance. The air pressure is also less than 1% of Earth's, making it too thin to support human life as we know it. Astronauts in Mars movies often rely on spacesuits or habitat modules to provide breathable air and maintain pressure.

scientific accuracy in films

When watching films set on Mars, it's important to consider their scientific accuracy. Many movies take creative liberties for dramatic effect. For instance, some may show characters walking outside without spacesuits or depict rapid environmental changes that aren't scientifically plausible. Evaluating the accuracy involves checking whether the film correctly portrays Mars' atmosphere, gravity, and potential resources. While creativity is part of storytelling, a grounded approach enhances believability and educational value.

terraforming

Terraforming is the process of modifying a planet's environment to make it habitable for humans. In the context of Mars, this could involve generating a thicker, oxygen-rich atmosphere and stabilizing temperature. However, this is a massively complex and lengthy endeavor. Films often oversimplify this process, showing quick transformations. True terraforming would require advanced technology, significant time, and enormous resources to be successful.

low gravity on Mars

Mars has about 38% of Earth's gravity due to its smaller size and mass. This low gravity would affect various aspects of human life, including muscle and bone density over time. In movies, the depiction of gravity on Mars varies, with some showing characters moving normally as on Earth, while others attempt to show the reduced gravity through altered movement or special effects. Accurate representation enhances the educational value and realism of the film.

volcanic gases

Martian volcanoes, if active, would release gases like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and water vapor. However, these gases alone cannot create a breathable atmosphere quickly, as seen in some films. For an atmosphere to become breathable, it would need a significant amount of oxygen. Volcanic eruptions do not provide enough of the right ingredients, and the process of creating an Earth-like atmosphere would take thousands or even millions of years, not minutes. Furthermore, high concentrations of volcanic gases could be toxic rather than supportive of life.