Why is building self-sustaining biospheres utilizing local materials preferable to planetary terraforming on Mercury?

Answer

Lack of a significant intrinsic magnetic field causes rapid stripping of any introduced atmosphere

Terraforming Mercury by creating a full, breathable atmosphere is significantly hampered by the planet's magnetic properties. Mercury possesses a magnetic field that is surprisingly weak relative to its size, unlike Earth's robust field. This lack of a strong intrinsic magnetic field leaves any introduced or generated atmosphere completely vulnerable to the intense solar wind that bombards the planet. Consequently, any artificial atmosphere would be stripped away relatively quickly over geological timescales, making localized, sealed habitats that utilize natural protection (like underground locations or polar ice extraction) the only viable long-term strategy.

Why is building self-sustaining biospheres utilizing local materials preferable to planetary terraforming on Mercury?

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