Astrophysicists have proposed placing large dust masses in Earth’s orbit to combat global warming. In this respect informs Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
In the last few decades, scientists have concluded that the climate is getting warmer and warmer due to human activities. This is primarily due to the effects of carbon dioxide, which creates a greenhouse effect. One possible solution to the problem is to reduce the power of solar radiation reaching Earth. In particular, some experts have suggested spraying aerosols into the atmosphere to create a small “volcanic winter.”
Now, astrophysicists have considered options for placing shading agents into space in orbit. The authors describe the various possible properties, numbers, and trajectories of dust particles that are best suited to solving the problem. Scientists have discovered that blasting dust from Earth to the L1 Lagrangian point between the Earth and the Sun will create an effective sunscreen, but will require a tremendous amount of money and effort. In addition, the solar wind will constantly blow dust particles and dust reserves will need to be replenished.
Alternatively, the authors suggest using moon powder. They believe it can be an inexpensive and effective way to shadow the world. Physicists simulated a shot of lunar dust toward the Sun from a platform on the Moon’s surface. The “innate” properties of Moon dust from the surface turned out to be just right for it to work effectively as a sunscreen. During the simulation, the powder was fired in different directions until optimal trajectories for L1 were found. With this technology, the maintenance of the screen will be much easier and cheaper.
At the same time, the scientists state that they are not experts in rocket science and climatology, and only offer a new idea as one of the possible options.