Honest question: why do we expect cities on Mars or the Moon before there are cities in Antarctica? The latter is much cheaper and easier in every way; what is it about Mars and the Moon that make the expense worth it? It is purely the subjective appeal of space?
@Astro_Wright Antarctica is energy poor compared to Mars and activities there restricted by (actually enforceable) treaties. This is one of those talking points that sounds clever but doesn’t actually stand up when you think about it.
@peterrhague @Astro_Wright what would make mars more energy rich than antarctica? For example I'd assume solar panels would be less effective on mars due to being further from the sun
@peterrhague @Astro_Wright He's an astrophysicist They come in three flavors: researchers uninterested in attention, Carl Sagan and Best Value Carl Sagan (Neil Degrasse Tyson) Expecting Jason to be aware of his ignorance outside the field is apparently a big ask
@peterrhague @Astro_Wright It will be interesting to see what international agreements materialize as we get closer to reaching Mars. In his recent update on Mars, @elonmusk said @SpaceX can't use nuclear power, so there appears to already be restrictions.
@peterrhague @Astro_Wright Aside from geothermal and solar?
@peterrhague @Astro_Wright Hell, no. The reverse is true. Mars, or any place outside of earth, is far less hospitable than the most inhospitable places on earth. Feel free to attempt to colonize mars—to each his own. But you first, and leave me out of it. I rather enjoy being alive.
@peterrhague @Astro_Wright Antarctica has air though. That counts for a lot.