Scientists have proposed using tiny metal nanorods to thicken Mars’ atmosphere and trap heat, potentially aiding future colonization.

According to a Science Advances paper, these nanorods could be made from Mars’ natural iron and aluminum and sprayed into the atmosphere to warm the planet.

This process could melt frozen water, increasing Mars’ habitability, though not enough for human life alone.

The researchers modeled that releasing 30 liters of nanorods per second could raise Mars’ temperature by 54 degrees Fahrenheit, Newsweek has reported.

They also suggest this method could indicate extraterrestrial terraforming efforts.

Written by B.C. Begley