What Are Challenges in Colonizing Mars: Green Skin, Mutations, Evolutionary Changes and What More?

Sending humans to Mars has become one of the most ambitious goals in space exploration. With NASA planning human landings by the 2030s and SpaceX’s vision of cities on the Red Planet within a few decades, the idea of colonizing Mars is gaining serious momentum. 

However, achieving this dream is fraught with significant challenges. The hostile environment of Mars, experts warn, could lead to drastic evolutionary changes in human settlers, including physical mutations that sound like science fiction.

Mutations and Evolution on Mars

According to biologist Dr. Scott Solomon from Rice University, the children of Mars settlers may experience profound mutations and evolutionary shifts due to the planet's extreme conditions. In his book, Future Humans, Dr. Solomon delves into the long-term biological effects that humans may undergo when exposed to the low gravity, high radiation, and other harsh elements of Mars.

Human settlers would need to adapt rapidly

Mars’ environment is radically different from Earth’s. With 30% less gravity, no protective magnetic field, and no ozone layer to shield from space radiation and cosmic rays, survival itself poses immense challenges. As Dr. Solomon explains, human settlers would need to adapt rapidly, and these adaptations may manifest in unexpected and possibly unsettling ways. Among the most striking possibilities is the evolution of a green skin tone, a mutation that could occur as a defense against high levels of radiation on the planet.

The Science Behind Green Skin and Other Mutations

Dr. Solomon outlines the specific challenges that could trigger these mutations. The lack of gravity on Mars would lead to muscle atrophy, brittle bones, and a series of physical changes to the human body. This would be particularly problematic for the next generation of humans born on Mars, who may develop weaker muscles and bones due to the planet’s low gravity.

One of the most startling predictions is the possibility of green skin. Dr. Solomon suggests that radiation on Mars could force human skin to evolve new pigments, including green, to protect against solar and cosmic radiation. “Perhaps in the face of this high radiation, we might evolve some new type of skin pigment to help us deal with that radiation,” he wrote, speculating that this pigment could even give rise to the idea of "green men."

Eyesight could deteriorate over time

Additionally, eyesight could deteriorate over time due to the limited need for long-distance vision. On Mars, humans are likely to live in small, enclosed habitats, reducing the necessity of seeing far-off objects. As a result, the settlers' vision may evolve to become more limited.

Childbirth could become a dangerous ordeal

Another major concern is childbirth. The low gravity and resulting weak bone structure could make childbirth a dangerous ordeal. Dr. Solomon warns that women may suffer from brittle pelvises, leading to potential fractures during delivery. This would be a significant issue for human reproduction on Mars and could hinder the growth of a sustainable colony.

The Future of Mars Exploration

Though humans have yet to set foot on Mars, preparations are well underway. NASA is aiming to land humans on the planet by the 2030s, while SpaceX founder Elon Musk envisions a self-sustaining city on Mars within the next 30 years. These efforts are part of a larger push toward exploring and eventually colonizing Mars, with several upcoming missions designed to further our understanding of the planet.

However, the evolutionary and biological challenges outlined by Dr. Solomon present a sobering reality check. Surviving and thriving on Mars may not only depend on technological advancements but also on humanity's ability to adapt, evolve, and endure the planet’s unforgiving conditions.

Mars represents both a beacon of hope and a cautionary tale 

As we look to the stars and dream of life on other planets, Mars represents both a beacon of hope and a cautionary tale. The journey to becoming an interplanetary species may involve transformations that could alter the human race in ways we have only begun to imagine.