For many years, people have been captivated by Mars, and NASA is making bold moves to send astronauts there in the coming decades. The idea of walking on Mars is thrilling, yet anyone who does will only see a tiny part of its vast landscape.
The question arises: could an astronaut circle the entire Red Planet on foot, and if so, how long would it take? Walking around Mars is a monumental task, and determining the exact duration is challenging. If an astronaut could keep moving at a steady walking pace, we could easily calculate the time needed.
Erdal Yigit, an associate professor of physics and astronomy at George Mason University, points out that two main factors are needed for this calculation: the astronaut’s walking speed and the total distance to cover. Circling Mars at the equator would cover about 13,300 miles (21,400 kilometers). Taking a route over the poles would shorten the journey by roughly 100 miles (160 km), but the extreme cold there presents even greater challenges than elsewhere on Mars, according to Yigit.
Assuming an average walking speed of 3.1 mph (5 km/h), similar to Earth’s due to Mars’ lower gravity, the journey would be long. An astronaut would be slowed down by the heavy load of essential supplies and a bulky spacesuit. Walking non-stop at this pace, it would take approximately 4,290 hours to complete the journey. Given that a Martian day, or sol, lasts about 24.7 hours, this equates to around 174 sols, just over a quarter of a Martian year, which has 668.6 sols.
However, walking around Mars without breaks is unrealistic. Rest for sleep, eating, and other necessities would extend the time significantly. Assuming eight hours of sleep each night adds about 56 sols, and taking breaks for other daily activities could add another 30 to 35 sols. Therefore, a more realistic estimate might be at least 265 sols, nearly 40% of a Martian year. This doesn’t even account for the potential challenges posed by Mars’ varied terrain, including mountains, valleys, and craters.
Despite the fascination, it’s highly improbable that anyone will walk the entirety of Mars soon. Humans have managed to walk only a small fraction of the moon’s surface, despite multiple visits. The logistical challenges of such a long journey on Mars, including the need for sufficient food, water, and oxygen, and protection against radiation, are daunting.
Yet, the prospect of sending astronauts to Mars has significant advantages over using rovers. According to Yigit, while rovers face risks from dust and electrical issues, humans can adapt and find solutions to problems that arise.