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solar-augmentation

The use of large-scale orbital mirrors to increase and control the intensity of sunlight reaching Mars.

1 chapter across 1 book

Green Mars (1994)Kim Stanley Robinson

Chapter 16

This chapter describes the construction and deployment of massive solar mirrors and lenses made from asteroid materials to augment sunlight on Mars. The two large mirror structures, the annular mirror and the soletta, work in tandem to increase and control the amount of sunlight reaching the Martian surface, culminating in a total solar eclipse followed by a brighter, warmer sun. A smaller third mirror further concentrates sunlight into focused beams capable of melting the Martian surface, demonstrating advanced planetary engineering to transform Mars's environment.