Chapter 7 Extraterrestrial Environment

Abstract

Abstract This chapter deals with some aspects of the extraterrestrial environment, which is relevant—directly or indirectly—to human development. Space waste is an emerging problem that poses serious threats to human activities in space and is approached at several different angles. The next subject is relevant to the greenhouse effect, and starting from the analysis of planetary evolution and climate principles takes the reader to a journey around the solar system discussing the amazing marvels and mysteries of greenhouse effects on other terrestrial moons and planets: Mars, Venus, Pluto, Titan, and Triton. Finally, the implications and potential uses of humble but magic extraterrestrial hydrated minerals are addressed. This chapter is not an ordinary one but demonstrates lessons that can be learned by studying our neighborhood that one day we may call home.