MIT scientists think they've finally found a way to reverse climate change. Or at least help make it a little easier.
Essentially, the idea revolves around the creation and unfolding of various bubbles of silicon, similar to a thin film. The "space bubbles", as they are called, would come together like a raft. Once expanded in space, it would be about the size of Brazil.The bubbles would then provide an additional buffer against harmful solar radiation from the sun
Can bubbles in space reverse climate change?
Space Bubbles Facing the Sun, MIT
Concept Image Source: Space Bubbles Project / MIT
The goal of these new "space bubbles" would be to mitigate or even reverse climate change. The earth has experienced a rise in temperature over the last few centuries. In fact, NASA previously released a GIF detailing how global temperature has changed over the years.Now we see huge "Hellmouths" opening up in the permafrost.
In addition, scientists have just discovered another hole in the Earth's ozone layer. As such, finding ways to mitigate or reverse climate change remains a high priority for many. This new plan is based on a concept first proposed by astronomer Roger Angel. Angel originally proposed using a "cloud" of small spacecraft to shield Earth from solar radiation.However, the MIT researchers took the same basic concept and improved it, swapping out the inflatable silicone bladders for the spacecraft originally proposed by Angel. Being able to reverse climate change would be a big step in the right direction. However, protecting the earth from the sun's radiation would only be part of it. We would also have to reduce other things.
How will the bubbles protect the earth?Space Bubble Raft Could Reverse Climate Change
Image Source: Space Bubbles Project / MIT
But how exactly does a Space Bubble Raft protect Earth from solar radiation? Well, the basic idea is to send the bubbles to the Lagrange point L1. This is the place directly between the Earth and the Sun where the gravity of both our star and our planet cancels out. As such, space bubbles could theoretically just float off either body without much gravitational pull.
Researchers say we'd probably still need to put up some kind of spaceship to keep things going.But it could give us a good chance of reversing climate change, or at least slowing down the changes. It is important to note that MIT does not see this as an alternative solution to our current adaptation and mitigation efforts. Instead, it's a backup solution designed to help when things get out of hand.
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