Running head: PLANTING ON OTHER PLANETS

The Ability to Farm on Other Planets:

Chyna S. Shaver
Sunnyvale High School

Abstract
This paper explores the possibility of farming on other planets in our solar system. In order for
this to be a possibility, we need to look at a planets atmosphere (air and sunlight), weather, soil

Running head: PLANTING ON OTHER PLANETS

composition, and the availability of water. In the search of another potential Earth, our
neighbors conditions can be unsettling. Research by Carl Zimmer (2006) displays the extreme
conditions of Mars and Venus. This includes the lack of liquid surface water, oxygen, sunlight,
and soil. I am going to go over what would be needed to make this possible and how we can do
it. This could involve using the planet organically or using manipulation and engineering to
accomplish this task.

Farming in Space
Imagine grabbing an apple and just before washing it, you take off its label that says, Product of
Mars. As crazy as that sounds, this could be possible. Although our neighbors, Mars and Venus,
both have an intense and unconventional environment; the ability to farm is a possibility.
Mars

Running head: PLANTING ON OTHER PLANETS

We will start with our most probable and perhaps our only candidate. With Mars mountains,
valleys, polar ice caps, dry river beds, atmosphere, and relatively moderate climate, [it] is more
like Earth than any other body in our solar system, (Hank Becker, p. 1). Mars once inhabited
surface water but in recent years none has been found, giving the possibility of life. Even
Martian soil has the nutrients that are essential for plants to cultivate, but the amount will differ
compared to where you land. But just because Mars has the nutrients needed for plants, does not
mean it is able to produce life. The conditions of Mars is brutal. You could set up an atmospheric
bubble and give all that is vital to produce life, but that does not take away from Mars harsh
environment. A scientist could engineer genetically modified crops (GMC) to withstand Mars
surroundings, but isnt that what society is trying to go against? As of now, I believe the ability to
farm on other plants is long ways away.

References
Zimmer, C. (2006, September). Are We Alone? Retrieved October 10, 2016, from
http://carlzimmer.com/articles/2006.php?subaction=showfull
Morring Jr., F. (2014, September 8). Rush Hour. Retrieved October 10, 2016, from
http://web.b.ebscohost.com/scirc/detail/detail?vid=0&sid=8bcdf962-1b67-4d45-88423aa226e44dc2@sessionmgr2&bdata=JnNpdGU9c2NpcmMtbGl2ZQ==#AN=98222547&db=sch