Part 2/9:
At its core, Mars is an inhospitable world that poses numerous existential threats to human life. The planet's thin atmosphere, comprised mainly of carbon dioxide, exerts less than 1% of the air pressure found on Earth. This lack of pressure would lead to immediate bodily harm, such as boiled saliva and collapsing lungs, within moments of exposure. Mars’ chilling average temperature of -63°F (-52°C) can plunge even lower, ensuring a hostile environment.
Furthermore, cosmic radiation is a major concern, as the planet lacks the protection of a magnetic field, exposing potential colonists to heightened risks of cancer. Even the unique phenomenon of Martian dust storms exacerbates the dire conditions, hindering visibility and threatening machinery and health due to toxic, abrasive dust.