MIT Scientists Could Reverse Climate Change With Space Bubbles
The thin-film structures deployed in outer space could deflect solar radiation to shun global warming
Image: MIT/Senseable City Labs
A research team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) believes to have found a solution to mitigate the worse climate change. Or, at least, it could ease some global warming issues. They have created film-like silicon bubbles that scientists refer to as “space bubbles.” These bubbles can combine like a raft.
When expanded in the space, they will form the same size as Brazil. Together these bubbles are likely to form an extra layer between the earth and the sun to protect the planet from harmful radiations.
Ultimately, scientists are aiming to reverse climate change with these space bubbles. Over the past many centuries, the temperature of the earth has been rising consistently. Currently, we are experiencing the worst climate changes in form of extreme heat waves, flash floods, and other natural calamities. Recently, scientists have also found another hole in the ozone layer around the planet. Therefore, finding practical ways to reverse climate change is the topmost priority.
Image: MIT/Senseable City Labs
The idea of space bubbles is based on astronomer Roger Angel’s concept. He originally recommended using a “cloud” of spacecraft for shielding the earth from the sun’s harsh radiations. The researchers at MIT got inspired by the idea and further improved it.
Consequently, they came up with inflatable silicone bubbles and are now hoping to reverse climate change. However, shielding the earth from the sun is just one part of this whole plan. There are still numerous things to work on.
The basic idea is to send the bubbles to the L1 Lagrangian Point, which is the center point between the earth and the sun. It is also the point where gravity cancels out. This means the space bubbles could theoretically float at this point without feeling much pull from either body.
Image: MIT/Senseable City Labs
Nonetheless, the researchers still need to work on spacecraft for keeping everything on track. If things go as planned, it could allow them to reverse the worsening climate change. Or maybe just slow it down for a few more years, until better solutions can be discovered.
One important thing to note is that MIT is not considering it as an alternative solution to other ongoing climate control methods. Instead, it can work as a backup solution if things go out of hand.
Image: MIT/Senseable City Labs
Via: Weather
