January 25, 2004
Our Fascination and Future on Mars
American Military University
SC104, Introduction to Astronomy
by James Landrith
Our Fascination and Future on Mars
American Military University
SC104, Introduction to Astronomy
by James Landrith
Mars, also known as the Red Planet, has long fascinated humanity. From the people of ancient cultures to today’s scientists, conspiracy theorists and casual astronomers, Mars possesses a significant hold on our dreams and imaginations. In light of recent events by NASA and our nation’s future plans to send human visitors to the red planet, it is important for us make a comparison of both worlds and examine our fascination with this planet.
A brief comparison of both worlds reveals some similarities and many differences. Earth possesses one satellite, while Mars has two satellites. The orbit of Mars at 686.973 days is almost twice that of the orbit of Earth at 365.242. However, the daily rotation of Mars at 24.6597 hours is almost identical to our 24 hour rotation. Earth’s atmosphere consists of mostly (78.084%) nitrogen and (20.946%) oxygen with some minor traces of several other elements. The atmosphere of Mars, however, consists of mostly carbon dioxide (95.32%) and nitrogen (2.7%) with some minor traces of several other elements. The average Martian temperature is -63 Celsius, while Earth’s average temperature is 15 Celsius (Williams).
Fortunately for our world’s space programs and satellite industry, neither world has rings of debris like Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Further, the almost identical length of the Martian and Earth day will likely be helpful to the first humans to visit and spend significant time on Mars. This seemingly minor detail will allow the bodies of those first human visitors, and the settlers that will likely follow to adapt to the red planet’s day with little trouble. The downside to visiting Mars will, of course, lie in the harsh temperatures and lack of oxygen. All outside activity will require space suits, which limit the amount of time a person can spend in carrying out observations or other actions. Further, the frequent sandstorms will be a major challenge to the first human emissaries to Mars. With time, humanity will adapt and overcome these challenges, but in the beginning, these will be life and death issues.
Our fascination with Mars dates back to the most ancient of Earth civilizations, as evidenced through Greek, Roman, Hindu, and Mayan mythology (Soffey). The exciting science fiction of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ray Bradbury and other authors has also contributed to the massive interest in Mars and human exploration of the planet. When those influences are combined with today’s rapid fire advances in scientific knowledge of the red planet and the significant media coverage of said advances, it is hard to shield one’s self from the excitement and allure this planet holds.
In recent years, organizations such as The Mars Society have formed to promote the goal of human exploration and settlement of the red planet. At its August 1998 founding convention, The Mars Society adopted a Founding Declaration that stated among other reasons for visiting Mars, that we must go for “the knowledge of Mars,” “the knowledge of Earth,” “the challenge,” and “the opportunity” (Mars Society). Clearly, proponents of Mars travel are motivated by more than simple scientific curiosity.
From NASA’s Viking, Mars Pathfinder, Mars Global Surveyor, Spirit, Opportunity and Odyssey missions to the recent explorations by the European Space Agency and the United Kingdom, it is clear that humanity is hungry for data about this planet. Further, President George W. Bush has recently announced his intention for the United States to send human explorers to Mars within ten years, following construction of bases on our own moon. By sending humans to Mars, we will have begun a journey that will spread our race throughout the Solar System, and eventually into the other parts of our galaxy. This exploration will aid us in achieving a better understanding of our place in the universe and provide humanity room to grow, as well as securing future resources for our home planet. In conclusion, there are myriad reasons for taking a trip to Mars, but the most powerful reason is simple curiosity. Humans want to know what is out there and our natural curiosities will only be placated for so long by rovers and satellite surveillance.
“Founding Declaration of The Mars Society.” Mars Society. 2001. 25 Jan. 2004. <http://www.marssociety.org/about/founding_declaration.asp>
Soffey, Joseph. “Planetary Mythology – Mars.” 1999. 25 Jan. 2004. <http://web.bryant.edu/~history/h453proj/spring_99/planets1/mars.html>
Williams, David R.. “Mars/Earth Comparison.” NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. 27 Oct. 2003. 25 Jan. 2004. <http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/factsheet/marsfact.html>
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