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microbiological-planetary-engineering
The concept of using microorganisms, like algae, to alter planetary atmospheres and surface conditions, notably proposed for Venus.
1 chapter across 1 book
New EarthsJames Edward Oberg
Pages 22–30
The chapter traces the evolution of terraforming from early speculative fiction, such as Olaf Stapledon's ethical dilemmas in colonizing Venus and Heinlein's depiction of technical challenges on Ganymede, to the growing scientific legitimacy of planetary engineering through figures like Fritz Zwicky and Carl Sagan. It culminates in the exploration of cosmic-scale engineering concepts by Freeman Dyson and NASA's institutional engagement with terraforming Mars, marking the transition of planetary modification from imaginative speculation to serious scientific discourse.