Michael Turner wrote:

This paper

http://www.marshome.org/files2/Hublitz1.pdf

Thanks for the interesting link.

is very suggestive of the difficulties. Note Fig. 8: even if you
assume efficient multi-layered insulation covering the surface
greenhouse at night, you have net heat loss except for a brief noonday
period. Also note: this is, they say, when "the sun is at zenith" --
i.e., high summer.

Consider the logistics and the risks of adding and taking off that
insulating cover, every dawn and sunset, with dust blowing around.
With a thin transparent shell underneath, how long before you're
looking at serious abrasion of it? They don't talk about that.

Right, I wouldn't think that kind of insulation would be helpful
on Mars. On the Moon maybe because of longer nights and because
MLI is more efficient in vacuum than in the Martian atmosphere.


Alain Fournier