Mars Calling

Mars Calling

2021, Science  -   5 Comments
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Ratings: 8.17/10 from 12 users.

Since man looked up into the heavens eons ago, the planet Mars has always been a source of wonder. From the Ancient Egyptians, Arab mathematicians and astronomers to Aristotle, Ptolemy, Copernicus, and Galileo, many have looked at the fourth planet in our solar system to try and solve its mysteries.

The 20th century saw a man leave the confines of the planet Earth, launching a rocket into space, landing on the moon and even building the International Space Station, proving that not only was it possible to get out there but to live out there for an extended period as well.

And because of these advances in our space travel capabilities, there are people on Earth right now that believe Mars can become the next home of human beings. The rise of space travel-oriented tv shows and movies has also helped fan the flames of this opinion. But is there more to Mars than meets the eye? Is there a future for humans to live in space?

Over the last few decades, Nasa has deployed a series of five rovers or robotic vehicles that travel and scan the desolate planet. These rovers will help us here on Earth record the planet's climate and geology, determine whether life once existed on Mars, and prepare it if possible for human exploration.

On the surface, Mars looks like one giant desert without a drop of water. Despite being smaller than the Earth, Mars has extensive geographical features such as volcanoes and canyons. These are bigger than those found on Earth, and since they are impact basins, it suggests that there might have been a catastrophic event that forever altered the Martian atmosphere and landscape.

The Red Planet's topography, river systems and rock formations all suggest that it was once full of water and, possibly life. Today the planet is now dry and largely uninhabitable. It is only 354.79 million km away from Earth - or a 9-month long trip - it won't be an easy one to take at all! And, of course, once you land on Mars, what happens? Will you have enough fuel to get back home? We need to figure out alternative energy sources as well.

Interestingly enough, billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are involved in an epic, ongoing feud that has lasted years over space travel. Both support the concept of travelling in space and are committed to finding affordable ways to get people there. Bezos owns Blue Origin, while Musk has SpaceX. Musk, in particular, already has plans for a Mars settlement as a backup planet for humanity in case the Earth is devastated for whatever reason.

It's just a matter of time until human beings land - and eventually - colonise Mars. And it will be a momentous day of celebrations around the world.

Directed by: David Sky Brody

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Sub Orbital
Sub Orbital
1 year ago

Please don't put Musk and Bezos together in a sentence even mentioning space. Musk has orbital spacecraft. Bezos has, well, its in the same class as jumping up and down.

Robert Feller
Robert Feller
2 years ago

Pointless money wasting endeavor to even try going there, we need to do more right here to protect the environment and explore what a great planet we already have.

Dinner-lip
Dinner-lip
2 years ago

The stated reasons for going to Mars are feeble. As usual, the real reasons for going are mineral rights and military advantage.