Christopher Moore is an Assistant Professor of Physics at Coastal Carolina University. He lives in Myrtle Beach, SC with his wife and two children.The rover Opportunity discovered more evidence of a watery past for the Marsian surface. For more see this article.
Data sent back by Opportunity suggests an area known as the Meridiani Planum, was drenched with water a second time, after an impact excavated a huge crater.
The rover project’s main mission has been to discover evidence that water may have flowed on Mars. If there was water, there was the possibility for life.
The big questions on most people’s minds, though, is: Who cares? How does life on Mars affect me?
Many scientists believe that Mars used to be teaming with life, much like an early, premordial Earth. For some reason, Mars became a barren ice planet and Earth became what we all sit atop today. Why?
Why did Mars fall victim to a cold death while Earth thrived? Could Earth be facing the same fate? If so, can we stop it?
These are the questions being addressed by our probing of the Marsian surface. The science behind these missions may well save our collective lives one day.
It may even be possible for us to “jump start” Mars and bring her back to life. Another habitable planet next door could accomodate our growing population and depleting resources. The resources offered by Mars could make our very existence more long-lived.
For those who consider the human race a virus and have no concern for the survival of the species … well you don’t care anyway. I, on the other hand, am ready to hop aboard a Rubicon rocket, enjoy my layover on the moon, and set-up camp on Mars.